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FORTHE  PEOPLE 

FOR  EDVCATION 

FOR  SCIENCE 

LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM 

OF 

NATURAL  HISTORY 

The  Wilson  Bulletin 

Official  Organ  of  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club 


An  Illustrated  Quarterly  Magazine 

Devoted  to  the  Study 

of  Birds 


Edited  by  Lynds  Jones 


Old  Series,  Voliiiiie  XX\'I 


Xew  Series,  Volume  XXI 


riiblislied  l»y  the  ('Inh  ;it  Cliicn-o.  111. 
Nineteen  Ilnndred  and  Fourteen 


V^"' 


O^Ii  \i^i^i  / L 


INDEX  VOL.  XXVI,  1914 


Actitis    iiiiii'iil;iri:i,    -i~>.    Sl-Si;    in- 
clusive. 
A.u'elaius     iilid'niceus     iilui'iiiceiis. 
.".4,   ."li).    7!>. 

rtoridniius.    !(!(). 
Aix  sponsa.  !)4. 
Ajaja   ajaja.  !)4. 

Anunoilranuis    savaniiaruin    aus- 
tral is,  so. 

biiuac'ulatns. 

l:;7. 
ttorUlaiuis. 

Anas  fulviiiiila   I'ulvigula.  ST.  04.- 

platyrliyiichos,    T.j,    IOC. 
Auliiiij;a  anhinga,  93.  V.H\. 
Antlius  antarcticus,  29. 
Antrostonms      carolinensis.      !>!), 

107. 
Ara  niac-ao.  S. 
Aranius  vocifenis.  !>.". 
Arcliiloclius  colubris.    !:'.<;. 
Ardea  herodias  wardi,  94. 
Asio  tlanuueiis,   77,  197. 

wilsonianiis,    38."). 
Astragaliniis    tristis    tristis,    ."»4, 

SO,   137. 
Astur  atrirapillns,  197. 
Auklet.  Crested.  219. 
P.aldpate.  201.  21<). 
Kartraniia   lonsicauda.   .">.    70. 
Bittern.  .-.2.  53,  56,  57.  58.  (iO.  OS. 
70.  72.  75.  178,  202,  210. 
Cory's,  220. 

Least.  52,  53,  55.  CO.  07,  08, 
71.  72,  75.  131.  203. 
Blackbird.   Brewer's,   133,   1.37. 
Red-win"j;ed.    .52,    54.    55.    59. 
00.    08,    72,    79.    102.    ]:;2. 
155,   178,   201,   215. 
Rusty.   18.   130.   201.  215. 
Yellow-headed.  14.  .52.  54.  55. 
50,  57.  59.  .01.   72.   79,   130. 
Bluebird.    IS.    19.    101,    108.    177. 
179.    197.    199.    201.    210.    213, 
215. 
Bob-white.   53.   7:'..   77.   2o5.  210. 

Florida.  90. 
Bobolink.    72.    79.    132.    130.    17S, 

179.   202.  214.   210. 
Boeolophns  bicolor,   104. 
Bombycillum  cedroruni.  13S. 
Botaurus   leiiti'j;inosus,   53.  tn-(;o, 

75. 
Rrauta      berniila      ulaucosastra. 
196. 


canadensis,    IOC. 

canadensis,   134. 
hutcliinsi.    i:!4. 
r.ulx;      viririnianus      vir.iiinianns, 

9S. 
lUillleliead.   178,  202.  216. 
Bunting'.     ludiw.     54,    1.32.     177, 
203.  213,  215. 
Lark,  133. 
I'aiuted.   1.31. 
lUistard.   29. 

Buteo  borealis  bore:ilis,  97. 
calurus.  107. 
brachyurus.   98. 
lineatus  alleni,  98. 
platypterus.  135. 
Butorides      virescens      virescens, 

53.  95. 
Calcarius    pictus.    197. 
Cauipephilus    priucipali.s.    99. 
Caracara.    Audubon's,    98. 
Cardinal,    19,   205.  213.  215,   220. 

Florida,   100. 
Cardinalis   cardinalis   floridanus, 

100. 
Catbird,  55,  58,  73.  80.   132,  158, 

100,    177,   202.   213.   215. 
Catharista  urulni.  90. 
Cathartes    aura     septentrionalis, 

96. 
Catoptrojihorus  seniipalniatus  in- 

ornatus,  197. 
Centurus  carolinus.  00.  104. 
Ceryle  alcyou.  53. 
Cha?tura  iiela.i,'ica,  78,  135. 
Chani;epelia  passerina  terrestris. 

9C>. 
Chat.    Yellow-breasted,    131.   203, 

210. 
Chen  hyperborea   nivalis.   30. 
Cliickadee,  19.  55,   108.  177.  205. 
209.  211.  215. 

Carolina.  100.  204. 
Chicken.   Prairie.   72.   77. 
<"houdestes     srauunacus      irrani- 
niacus,  54,  80. 

strigatus.    i:',7. 
Chordeiles    vlrgiuianus    ehapnia- 

ni.   99.    i:]5. 
Chuck-will's-widow,  99,  132.  154. 
Circus  hndsonius.  53,   77.  97. 
Cistothorus   stellaris.   80. 
C()lai)tes  auratus  auratus.  99. 

luteus.   .54.    77. 
Colinns     vir_'iniauus     florldanus. 


vii'giniamis,   y,.   77. 
Coot,  121,   r.3.  72',  70,  1202. 
Coniioraiit,    DouWe-cresteLl.    2ii4, 

218. 
Corvus    braeliyrhyiiclios    liracliy- 
rhyiu'hos,   54,   7!). 

pascuus.    KM), 
ossifragus,  100. 
Coturnicops  noveboracensis,  1!)G. 
Cowbird,    54,    72.    7!>,    103.    13(1, 

179,  201,  215. 
Cvdne,   Saiidbill.   87,   80.   05.   134. 
Creeper,    Brown.    132,    177,    204, 

200.  215. 
Crow,    25,    29,    54,    73,    70,    17S, 
179,  190,   201,  215. 
Fish.   100. 
Florida.   lOO. 
Crossbill.   21. 

Ked.  205.   210. 
White-winged.   21,   204. 
Cryptoglanx  acadica,  107. 

acadica,  10,  11. 
scotteus,  153. 
Cnrlew,  Ilndsonian,  204,  219. 
Cnckoo.     Black-l)illed.     178.     2;i4. 
210. 

Yellow-billed,    132,   203,    21(i. 
Cvanocitta   eristata   cristata,   54, 
78. 

tlorincobi,   100. 
Dendroica  tvstiva  a^stiva,  54.  80. 
Dickcissel,    54,    72,   80,    132,   203, 

215,  220. 
Dolichonyx    oryzivorns.    70.    136. 
Dove,   Ground.   00. 

Mourning.  10,  53,  73.  77,  0(). 
108,  178,   100,  201,  216. 
Dowitrher,   151,   103,    194,   204. 
I)ry()l)ates    borealis,    90,    107. 

pubescens  medianus,   53.   77. 
Duek.   Black.    IS,   21.   201. 
(^anvas-bac-k,  10,  22,  2()1. 
Florida.   87,   94. 
Greater  Scaup.  201. 
Lesser    Scaup.    21.    118.    120. 

1.50,  201.  216. 
Redhead.   201. 
Ring-necked.   204. 
Ruddy.   21.   202,   216. 
Wood.   22.   04.    178,   105,  202. 
Dunietella     carolinensis,    55,    58, 

80. 
Ectopistes   migratorius,    156. 
Eagle,  Bald,  98,  178,  205. 

Golden,   204. 
Egret,  87,  88,  90,  01,  04. 

Snowy.   95. 
Egrettfi    candidissima,   196. 

candidissima,  95. 
Elanoides  forficatus.  96,  1.35,  197. 
Elanus  leucurus,  33. 


Empidonax  trailli   alnoruiii,   197. 
Ereunetes   niauri.    104. 

pusillu.s.   45. 
Eupliagus    carolinus.    i:!6. 
Falco   rusticolus,    197. 

sparverius    paulus.    98. 
Finch.    I'urple,  48,   177,  204,  215. 
Flicker,   18,  26,   73,  99,  213.  215. 

Northern.    19.    54.     77,    133, 
178,    199,   201. 
Florida  ca>rulea.  05,   106. 
Flycatcher,     Acadian,     178,     203, 
215. 

Alder.   204. 

Crested.    00,    131,    178,    203, 
21.5. 

Green-crested,  132. 

Least.  132.  178.  203.  215. 

Olive-sided,    178,   204. 

Scissor-tailed,   131. 

Traill's.   215. 

Yellow-bellied,  204,  215. 
Fulica   americana,  53,   76. 
Gadwall,  204. 

(Jallinago   delicata,    1.34,    196. 
(iallinule.    Florida,    72.     70,     96, 
149,    203. 

Purple.  87.  05.  14!). 
Gallinula   galeata.   76.  06. 
(Jannet.   220. 
(iavia   innner.   105. 
(Jeothlypis  trichas  brachidactyla, 

i.".:;. ' 

ignota.   100. 
trichas,  55,  80,  .133. 
(Jnatcatcher,  Blue-gray,  131,  139, 

177,   202,   215. 
Golden-eye.  21.  118.  110.  121,  204. 

Barrows,  204. 
^Goldfinch,    .54,    73,    80,    13.7.    142. 
143.    168,    177,   205,   215. 
Goose,  Blue,  22.  204. 
Canada.   22,   201. 
Emperor.   210. 
(ireater   Snow.  .36. 
riutchins'.   134. 
Snow.  204. 
White-fronted.    204. 
Goshawk.  204. 
Crackle.    Boat-tailed,    100. 

Bronzed.  10.  54.  73.  80.   137, 

178,  100. -201.  1215. 
Florida,    100. 
Purple.   107. 
Grebe.  Homed,  22,  202. 

Pied-billed.    13,    14,    15,    53, 

72.  74,  179,  202,  216. 
Western,    21. 
Grosbeak.  Blue.  132. 

Evening,  19,  204.  214.  215. 

Pine.  204. 

Rose-breasted,    54,    132,    1.3S, 


159,   177.  178.  203.  215. 
Grouse,    Ruffed.    17S,   205. 
Grus   niexicauus,  1)5.   l.'U.    10(1. 
Guara   alba.  !)4. 

Gull.    I5()iiai)arte's.    IS.    202.    211. 
21(i. 

Frankliirs.   i;>;^. 
Ilerrins,',   10.   48.    15(1.    205. 
Riui^-billed.  205. 
Ilali.-i'etus     leiuoceiilialus     leuco- 

fei)lialus,   08. 
Ilarekla  liyenialis.  ll(i-12:!  iiulu- 

sive. 
Hawk,    llroad-wiuwd.    135.    17S. 
205. 

Cooper's,  178.  205,  210. 

Duck.   100.  204. 

Florida    Ited-sliouldered.    87, 

08. 
Florida   Sparrow.   OS. 
Marsh.    5.S.    72.    77.    07.    1.1.",. 

178.    205. 
lied-shouldered.   205. 
Red-tailed.  07.  205.  213.  214. 

215. 
Rouiiii-le'-'iied.   254. 
Sharp-sliiuned.   40.   178.   205. 
Short-tailed,   08. 
Sparrow.   132.   178.   20.5.   210. 
Swain>-'on's.   131. 
Ilelodroiiias  solitarius  snlitarin<. 

45. 
Ilerodias  ei^retta,  04.  100. 
Heron.  Black-erowned  Nislit.  22. 
44.   71.  05.   214.   210. 

(ireat    Blue.    178.    103,.    202. 

21G. 
Green,   53.  05.   131,   202. 
Little  Blue.  87.  05. 
Louisiana,  87.  05. 
Ward's.  87,  04. 
Yellow-frowned     Ni.^ht.     S7. 
05. 
Hiniantopus  niexicnnus.  100. 
Hirundo    erythrosastra.    54.    SO. 

138. 
Hornbill.  Giant.  210. 
Hummin<;ltird.         Ruby-throated. 

131.   130,   204.   215. 
Ilydranassa      tricolor      lulicollis. 

05. 
Hydroclielulon    ni^'r.-i    ^urinanien- 

sis,  53.  74. 
Hylocichla      fuscescens      Insces- 
cens.    133. 

salici<-ola.  133. 
Ibis.  White.  87.  04.  150. 

Wood.  87.  88.  80.  00,  01. 
Icterus   salbula.   54,   80. 
Ictinia    niississippiensis,    1:15. 
lonornis  martinicus.   05.   100. 
Ixobrvchus  exilis.  53,,  (;0.  07.   08. 
75. 


neoxeuus.    lOC,   i>i;(». 
.Fay.    Blue,     10.    .")4.    73.    7.S,    1((4, 
lOS,    17S,    2(15.    214,    215. 
Florida   Blue.    100. 
.luiico.     Slate-coU)red.     i:'>3.     17ti, 

177,  204,   214,   215. 
Killdeer.   18.   .5.'!.   70.   72.   70.   178, 

201,   210. 
Kingfisher.    Belled.    5."..    17S,    201. 

210. 
Kiniibird,    54,     73,     78,    00,     131. 

100.    107.    178,   202.   215. 
Kin'.clet.      Golden-crowned,      1.".3,, 
17(;,    177.    204.   215. 

RuI)y-crowned.       13,:',,       i:i!), 
202.   215. 
Kite.   .Mississipi)i.    1.",1.    1.",5. 

Swallow-tailed.   00.   1.31.   i;!5. 
Knot.  204. 
Lanius   borealis.   10.    147. 

ludovicianus        Indovicinnus, 
100. 
Bark.    Horned.    10.   204. 
Hoyt   Horned.  204. 
I'rairie    Horned.    10.    72,    78, 
178.    170.    205,    215. 
Larns  ari^entatus.  48.  150. 

franklin!.   133. 
Linipkin.   87.  05. 
Loni,'spur.  Alaskan,  219. 

Lapland.   18.   19,   204. 
Loon.  21.   170.  202. 
Macaw.  8. 

Machetes   pu','nax.    107. 
Macrorhaniphus  iiriseus  scoloiia- 

ceus.    100. 
Mallard,   -[H,  72,   75,  200,  201. 
Martin,  Puri)le,   73,  80.  100.  .1:50, 

i:]l.  177.  179.  202.  215. 
Meadowlark.   17.   10.   70.   72.   100. 

178.  170.    199.   201,    215. 
Southern,   100.   13G. 
Western.  .54.  80. 

Meijaiiuiscalus  nia.jor  ma.lor,  1(i(). 
Melanerpes    er.vthrocephalus.    53. 

77.  09,   104. 
INIelea.iiris  ,L;allopavo  osceola,  90. 
Melo'-pi/a   ^'ei)rf:;iana,    107. 
melodia.   79. 

melodia.  i:JS. 
:\ler.i;anser.  21.  201. 
Hooded.  21.  202. 
Red-breasted.  178.  180.  201. 
^leriius   aniericanus.   28. 

niersanser.  28. 
Minius     jioly.iilottos      polyulottos. 

100. 
Mockinuliird.   100.  2li4.  214.  22(1. 
.Molothrus   ater.   54. 

ater.  70.  i:'.(;. 
Murre.   Brunnidi's,  204. 
Myiarchus  crinitus,   09. 


Myiiicli.iiH's  vircns,   ."4. 
Xaiinus  liieiiiulis  hiem.-ilis.  i:i<). 
.\i,:,'lith:i\vk.  :'..   ITS.  204,  21."). 

Floridii.   i)!).    i;{2,    l."!."!. 
Xutli.Mtcli.    I?ro\vu-lie:i(le(l.    lol. 
Ked-breasted.    177,   204.    20!). 

215. 
White-breasted.       177.      20."), 
215. 
Nyctanassa   violacea,  05. 
Nyctea  nyctea,  8,  ,10. 
Nycticorax     nycticorax     iia'vius. 

44,  95. 
Oceaiiites  oceanicus,  lOG. 
Otocoris  alpestris  praticola,  78. 
Oidemia  perspicillata.   190. 
()ld-s(iuaw,   110-123   inclusive. 
Opoixiniis  formosa,  198. 
Oriole,    Baltimore.    ,")4.     7.^.     80. 
1.31,   1G8.  202,   215. 

Orchard.  131,  203,  215. 
Osprey,  98,  178,  202. 
Otus  asio  asio,  53,  77. 
fioridauus,  98. 
flammeus   idahoensls.    135. 
Oven-bird,     127,    l.'!2,     177,    202, 

213.   210. 
Owl.  Barn,  20-5. 

Barred,   0,  8,   10,   178,  205. 
Burrowing,  213. 
Florida  Barred,  98. 
Florida    Burrowing.    98. 
Florida  Screeeli,  98. 
Great   Horned.    98.   205. 
Long-eared.   135,  205. 
Saw-whet,    10,    11,    12,    204, 

210. 
F^creech.  53,  73.  77.  178,  20;), 

210. 
Short-eared,  72,  77,  132,  178, 

205. 
Snowy.  8,  19,  205. 
Ox.vechus  vociferus,  53,  70. 
I'andion     haliaetus    carolinensis. 

98. 
I'assereulus     sandwlcliensis     sa- 
vanna, 137. 
Pa.sserelhi  iliaca,  105. 
I'asserina  amoena,  197. 

eyanea,   54. 
Pelidna    alpina    sakhalina.   45. 
I'enthestes     atricai)illns      atrica- 

pillus,    55. 
Petrochelidon       lunilvons       luni- 

frons,   80. 
I»ewee,   Wood.   54.   i:n.   178.   203, 

213,   215. 
Phalacroeorax    ;irti(e;s    georgia- 
nus.   220. 

auritus.  218. 
Phalaroiie.   Bed.   103. 

Wilson's.   72.    70.   205. 


Phalaropus   lulicarius,   i0.3. 
I'hilohela  minor,  l-o  inclusive. 
Phloeotonuis    ])ileatus.    99. 
Phoebe,  73,  78.  132.  178.  179.  201, 
210.  213,  21.5. 
Sa^'s.  34. 
lUgeon,  Passenger,  150. 
Pinicola  eimcleator  leucura,  197. 
Pintail,  201. 

Pljiilo    erythrophthalnms    alleni, 
100. 

erythrophthalnms,  54. 
Pipit,  23,   133,  138,  201,  2^. 

Sprague's,   131. 
Pisobia  bairdi,   45,  197. 
fuseicollis,  45,  135. 
maculata,   40,    135. 
minutilla,   45,   135. 
Planesticus     niigratorius     migra- 

torius,  .5.5,   81.   140. 
Plegadis   autumnalis.   190. 
I'lover.    Black-bellied,    Kio,    151, 
194,   205. 

Golden,    22.    103,     104,     194, 

205. 
Piping,  151,  205. 
Semipalmated.   22,   151,   193, 

200,   204,   210. 
Upland,  5,  131,  202. 
Podilymbus  podiceps,  13,  .53,  74. 
Polioptila   cierulea   cjierulea,    139. 
Polyborus   cheriwayi.   98. 
Poiiecetes    gramineus    gramineus, 

i:!7. 
Porzana  Carolina,  .53,  70. 
Progne  .subis  subis,  SO,  100. 
I'rotonotaria  citrea,  109-11().  220. 
Puthn.  Tufted.  219. 
Quail,   178,   179. 
Quer(iuedula   discors.    53.    75. 
(Juiscalus     quiscula     a^neus.     54, 
SO.  13.7. 

agheus,  100. 
Rail.   Black.   1.32.   134. 

Kiu'j:.  .5.3,  72,  75,  203. 
Louisiana   Clapper,   134.   150. 
Virginia,    1.32,    178,  203,   210. 
Kallns  t-reiiitans  s:ituratus,  150. 

elegans.  5:!.  75. 
liocu.rviro-tra    aniericaiia.    190. 
BedpoU.  19.  48. 
Bed-wing,    Florida,   100.    131. 
Bedstart.  131,  177,  190,  203,  210. 
Ivhinoplax  vigil,  219. 
Bobin.  18,  19.  39,  55,  73,  81,  1.3.3, 
140.     10.5-172,     177,     199.     201. 
213.    214,   215. 
Sanderlin-,   22,    194. 
Sandpiper,    Baird's,    22,    45.    151. 
2U5. 

Iwirtrnniian.    70.    72.   70. 


Least,  45.  loo,  lol.  103,  104. 

202,  21(5. 
Red-hacked.  22.  4.".  lit:!.  1!)4. 

204. 
Pectoral.    4.j.    i:'.-").    1.11.    lo:;, 

104.   202.   210. 
Semi-palmated.    22.    i~>.    l-"il. 

103.    104.  204. 
Solitary.    45,    131,    151,    ITS. 

103,   202.   210. 
Spotted.   45.   81-80,   151,   178. 

180.   202,   210. 
Stilt,   151,   205,   214,   210. 
Western.  103,  104. 
^'S^lite-^unlped.   45.   i:;2.   i:*>5. 
103.   104. 
Sai)sucker,     Yellow-iiellied,     ITS, 

202,   215. 
Sayornis  pluebe,   78. 
Scoter.    Surf.  21. 
Sbeathbills.   20. 
Shoveller.   201. 
Shrike,  Loggerhead.   100. 
Migrant,  201,  21G. 
Northern.   204. 
White-runiped.    132. 
Sialia   sialis  sialis,   lOo. 
Siskin,    Pine.    10,    21,    i:!T.    14i)- 

146,    204. 
Sitta    caroliuensis     carolinensis, 
133. 

pusilla.   101. 
Snipe,    Wilson's.    134,    103.    2^11. 

21G. 
Snowflake.   18.   10.  204,  215. 
Sora.    53.    72.    70.    132.    203,    210. 
Sparrow.    Bachman's.    205.    214. 
215. 

Chipping.   138.   150.   177.  201. 

213,   215. 
English,    107.    178.    170.    200- 

211,   216. 
Field.  54,  177.  '201.  215. 
Florida  Grasshopper,  100. 
Fox.  105,  100.   132,  201,  215. 
Grasshopper,     72.     80.      202. 

215. 
Henslow's.  203. 
Lark.   .54.   80.   202.   215. 
Lincolns.   177,  203. 
Nelson's.   205. 

Savanna.  22.  137.  178.  202. 
Song.  18,  33.  138,  177.  170, 

100,  201,  213;  215. 
Swamp.    177.   201. 
Tree,  204.  215. 
Vesper.    137.    138.    178.    170. 

201.   215. 
Western   Grasshopper,    i:'.7. 
White-crowned,      133,      20:.. 

21.5. 
White-throated.      i:'.3.      ITT. 
108,  202,  215. 


Sjjeotyto    cuiiicuhu-in      Horidana, 

!»8. 
Spinns  ]iiiius,    i:'.T,   lhi-140. 
Spiza    aniericana,    54.    80. 
Spizella  itasserina  passerina.  138. 

pusilla   pusilla,    .54,   138. 
Spoonbill.   Roseate,  88,  00,  04. 
Stegano])us   tricolor,    TO. 
Stelgidopteryx  serriiiennis.   138. 
Stercorarius  itomariinis,    100, 
Sterna   antillaruni.    10("). 
Strix   varia    varia.   (;. 

a  lien  i.  OS. 
Sturnella    magna    argutula.    KiO. 
136. 

neglecta,  .54,  SO. 
Swallow,    Bank.    131,    151.    171, 

177,  202.  215. 

Barn.  54.  70.  73.  80.  07.  132, 
1.38,    171.    177.     170.     202, 
215. 
Cliff.    73.    80.    i:!l.    177.    170. 

202. 
Ron<-di-winged.  l.".l.  138.  202. 

215. 
Tree.   70.   132.  177.  202.   215. 
Swan.  Whistling.  201. 
Swift.  Chimnev.  73.  78.   131.  135, 

136,  168,   178.  202.  210. 
Tanager.    Scarlet.    131.    177.   203, 
213^  215. 

Summer.    131.    214.    215. 
Teal.    Blue-winged.    53.    72,     75, 

178.  202.   210. 
Green-winged,  205. 

Telmatodvtes     jialustris     iliacus. 

.55.  81. 
Tern.    Black.   52.   53.   60.    72,   74. 
103.  204. 

Caspian.   151.    1.52,   170.  205. 

Common.    170.   193.   203. 

Thrasher,    Brown.    54.     73.     80, 

1.33.    156.    1.58.    150,    177.    202. 

214.   215. 

Thrush.   Gray-cheeked.   203.   215. 

Hermit.    133.    170.    177.    180- 

186.   201,   215. 
Olive-backed.    132.    177.    200. 

202.  215. 
Willow.  132. 
Wood.   44.   48.   131.   202.   214. 

215. 
Wilsons.   177.   215. 
Thrvothorus  ludovicinnus  miam- 

iensis.    100. 
Titmouse.   Tufted.   104.   205.   215. 
Totanus  tlavipes.  45. 

melanolencus.   45. 
Towhce.    54.    133.    177.    170.    2(il, 
215. 

White-eyed.   100. 
Toxostoma   rufum.   55,   80.    156. 


Ti'ofiludyti'S  jiedon  piirkmaiii.  o~>, 

SO. 
Turkey.   Florida.  '.*ii. 

Wild.  cST.  \r2. 
Tunistoiie.   Kiuldy.   li(M. 
'['yiiipannclms   aiiicricaiius   aiiicr- 

icamis.    77. 
Tyramms  tyraiiiuis,  .")4.  7S,  !)'.». 
A'eery.  'Im. 

Vireo  ij;ri.seus  inaynardi.   \W. 
Vireo,     Blue-beaded,     i;!l.     177, 
202.   215. 

Key   West.    100. 
riiiladelpbia.  21.  202.  2ir). 
Ked-eyed,   04.   103,   12."),  131, 

177.  203.  213,  215. 
Wnrhliui,'.  54.  202.  215. 
Wliite-eyed.   131.   205.   215. 
Yellow-throated,      i:'>l,      177. 
203.    215. 
Vireosylva  gilva  .ijilva.  54. 

olivacea,   54. 
^'ult^re.   Pdack.  00. 

Turkey.   00,   201,   210. 
Warbler.  Bav-breasted.  132,  203, 
210. 

Black   aud    Wbite.    131.    177. 

203,  216. 
Black-poll.   177.   204.   210. 
Blackburuian.   132.   177.  2o:'.. 

210. 
Black-tbroated      Blue.      177, 

203,  210. 
Black-tbroated    Green.     131, 
177,  186-188.  201,  203,  21h. 
Blue-winged.    105,    131.    203, 

216. 
Canadian,  132.  177.  203,,  216. 
Cape  May,  203,. 
Cerulean.    131,    203,    216. 
Cbestnut-sided.       132,       1.52. 

177,   203,   21(;. 
Connecticut,   21,   204. 
(Jolden-winwd.    1.52.   203. 
Hooded.  lOi;.  131,  203,  216. 
Kentucky,    21.    12.3-127.    131. 

203.   210. 
Kirtland's.  116.  203. 
Magnolia,    132,    203,   216. 
[Mourning,   177,   204,   216. 
INIvrtle.    133,    139,    177.    202. 

216. 
Nashville,  131,  177,  203,  216. 
Northern  Parula,   203,   216. 
Orange-crowned,      21.      131, 

203. 
Palm,   203..  216. 
Pine,    177,   203. 
Prairie,   204. 
Prothonotary,    21.    106,    100- 


116.   i:n,  203,  212,  220. 
Sycamore.  131. 
Tennessee.  177,  203. 
Western    Parula,    131. 
Wilson's.    131,   204,   216. 
Worm-eating,    132,    205. 
Yellow,  54,   73,  80,  103,   132, 
1.58.     160,     177,     179,    202. 
210. 
Water-Thrush.  20."..   216. 
Grinnell's.    132. 
Louisiana.  202.  216. 
Water-Turkey.    03,. 
Waxwing.  Bobemiaii.  205.  21  (i. 
Cedar.     138.     177.     170.    205, 
214.   216. 
Weaverhirds.   20. 
Whip-poor-will,    1:11.      1.54,      179, 

20.3,   215. 
Willet.  Western.  10.3.  104.  205. 
Woodcock,    1-6,   202,   216. 
Wodpecker.    Downv,    19,    53,    73, 
77.    139.    168,    178.    205.    215. 
Hairy.   178.   205.   214.  215. 
Ivory-liille<l.  99. 
Northern   Pileated,   215. 
Pileated,  15,   17,   99,   214. 
Ked-bellied,     99,     104,     205, 

215. 
Red-cockaded,  99. 
Red-beaded.    18.    53.    73.    77. 
99.    104.    178.    202.    215. 
Wren.    Bewick's.    106.    1.32,    205, 
215. 

Carolina,  19,  205.  215.  220. 

Florida.   100. 

House.    177.    179.    180,    202, 

213.   215. 
Long-billed   .Marsh,   202. 
Prairie  Marsh,   .55,   72.  81. 
Short-billed    Marsh.    72,    80, 

132,    203. 
Western    House,    55.    73,    80, 

133. 
Winter.  139,  177,  204,  215. 
Xantbocephalus    xantbocepbalus, 

.54,   55,   79,   1.36,   197. 
Yellow-legs,   151,   193.  203.   216. 
Greater,    45,    193,    194,    202, 

210. 
Lesser.  45. 
Yellow-throat,   72. 
Florida,  100. 
Marvland.    55.    80.    127,    132. 

177.  203. 
Northern,   131.   216. 
Zamelodia    ludoviciana,    .54,    138. 
Zenaidura     mncroiira     carolinen- 

sis,  77,  96. 
Zonotrichia    albicoUis,    198, 


THF 

WILSON  BULLETIN 

No.  86. 
A     QUARTERLY     JOURNAL     OF    ORNITHOLOGY 
VOL.  XXVI  MARCH,  1914.  NO.  1 

OLD  SERIES   VOL.   XXVI.      NEW   SERIES  VOL.  XXI. 

AN  INTIMATE  ACQUAINTANCE  WITH  WOODCOCKS. 

BY    GERARD    ALAN    ABBOTT. 

The  woodcock  still  exists  in  considerable  numbers  where 
favorable  conditions  for  feeding  and  nesting  are  to  be  found 
in  the  great  lake  region.  They  were  probably  more  numerous 
fifteen  years  ago  when  I  first  undertook  a  detailed  study  of 
their  habits,  but  a  greater  time  elapsed  between  finds  because 
I  was  not  "On  to  their  ways." 

Quite  a  few  of  us  have  probably  seen  a  sitting  woodcock. 
They  are  to  be  found  when  scarcely  any  other  birds  are 
involved  with  the  duties  of  nesting.  The  find  is  an  impressive 
one,  and  each  and  every  naturalist  who  chances  upon  a 
Philohela  minor  squatting  on  the  leaves  is  likely  to  transmit 
the  news  to  his  fellow  friends. 

It  is  not  difficult  to  photograph  this  bird  during  the  twenty- 
one  days  she  or  her  mate  may  be  covering  the  eggs,  and  a 
personal  acquaintance  may  be  formed. 

I  have  probably  been  among  the  breeding  woodcock  at  some 
time  or  other  every  hour  out  of  the  tw^enty-four,  and  it  was 
not  until  I  had  seen  and  heard  much  of  them  between  sunset 
and  sunrise  that  any  feeling  of  intimacy  existed. 

Rarely  have  I  observed  "borings"  near  a  sitting  bird.  The 
ground  they  use  for  nesting  purposes  is  necessarily  damp  at 


Intimate  Acquaintance  With  Woodcocks  3 

the  season  when  they  are  laying,  but  I  would  not  consider  it 
wet  in  comparison  with  much  of  the  adjacent  territory,  which 
is  apt  to  consist  of  marshes,  lakes  and  spring  holes.  I  have 
no  doubt  but  that  the  woodcocks  probe  for  earth  worms  in 
the  earth  immediately  surrounding  the  nesting  site,  but  this 
locality  is  not  muddy  nor  oozy  enough  to  retain  the  perfora- 
tions caused  by  the  bird's  bills. 

Large,  chalky  deposits  caused  by  the  birds  are  without 
exception  very  much  in  evidence  near  the  nest.  It  is  some- 
times possible  to  locate  the  nest  by  following  these  daubs 
upon  the  leaves.  Again  the  droppings  ma.y  occur  seventy- 
five  yards  from  the  nest,  and  in  the  cover  used  by  the  male 
as  a  roosting  place  during  the  daytime. 

In  little  openings  wdiere  the  male  goes  forth  at  sundown 
for  the  song  flight  is  another  likely  spot  for  chalk  marks. 
The  peculiar  nasal  "pink,"  as  it  sounds  to  me,  is  first  heard 
shortl}^  after  sundown  at  intervals  of  every  five  minutes  dur- 
ing the  first  half  hour.  If  the  day  has  been  extremely  cool 
and  wet  the  males  seem  less  ardorous,  and  the  call  may  be 
uttered  two  or  three  times  prior  to  the  first  flight. 

We  will  presume  that  a  typical  April  day  has  drawn  to  a 
close.  The  temperature  is  about  50°.  We  are  in  northern 
Illinois  groping  our  way  through  the  brush  on  what  appears 
to  be  an  old  moraine  of  Lake  ^Michigan.  From  yonder  clump 
of  willows  a  rather  shrill  call  startles  us.  Surely  no  Night- 
hawks  are  about,  for  it  is  too  early  in  the  year  to  even  expect 
them,  yet  the  sound  was  decidedly  suggestive  of  the  call  note 
of  our  "bull-bat."  My  companion  is  quite  sure  the  author 
of  this  weird  sound  is  only  a  few  rods  away.  But,  as  we  move 
cautiously  in  the  direction,  the  sound  is  repeated,  but  we  do 
not  seem  to  be  any  closer  to  the  object  of  our  search.  The 
bird  is  an  adept  ventriloquist  and  is  probably  six  or  seven 
times  as  far  away  as  we  had  first  supposed.  While  we  are 
gradually  gaining  upon  him  other  males  are  heard  calling, 
and  the  wooded  area  harbors  several  woodcocks,  each  calling 
in  turn,  until  the  notes  vibrate  through  the  spring  air  like 
the  trilling  of  tree-toads  or  the  singing  of  katydids  on  a 
midsummer's  eve.     We  hasten  to  a  point  of  vantage  before 


Intimate  Acquaintance  With  Woodcocks  5 

the  performance  begins.  1  kuoAV  every  foot  of  the  ground, 
but  before  stationing  ourselves  for  the  occasion  several  con- 
ditions are  to  be  taken  into  consideration.  If  there  is  any 
moon  we  want  to  be  in  full  sight  of  it,  and  if  possible  let  us 
get  on  the  windward  side  of  the  bird.  The  woodcock,  like 
his  relative  the  jack-snipe,  is  sure  to  leap  into  the  wind  as  he 
starts  to  fly. 

Twice  a  woodcock  has  flown  before  us  in  a  noiseless  man- 
ner. The  wing  motion  consisted  of  half  strokes  only,  and  the 
course  was  horizontal  and  only  moderately  rapid.  These  two 
flights  were  very  similar  to  those  of  the  Upland  Plover. 
Those  who  have  seen  the  graceful  Bartramian  will  recall  that 
the  wing  stroke  is  comparatively  short  and  rapid.  I  have 
never  seen  this  flight  of  the  woodcock  described  by  other 
observers,  but  on  such  occasions  the  wing  is  highly  concave, 
and  only  the  tips  seem  to  extend  below  the  level  of  the  body 
during  any  part  of  the  stroke.  This  method  of  navigation  is 
an  abrupt  contrast  to  the  jerky,  zig-zag  flight  used  by  the 
birds  as  they  arise  from  cover  when  disturbed  or  flushed. 
Occasionally  on  wet  April  days  I  have  witnessed  this  silent 
flight  of  the  woodcock.  It  is  apparently  used  when  they  are 
flying  to  and  from  their  feeding  grounds,  and  it  is  not  improb- 
able that  the  same  flight  is  maintained  by  the  birds  during 
their  protracted  journeys  while  migrating. 

The  third  and  most  interesting  form  of  locomotion  imme- 
diately follows  an  emphatic  "pink."  The  wing  beats  are  so 
rapid  it  is  impossible  to  distinguish  them,  as  the  bird  pro- 
gresses slowly  in  a  circular  course.  The  distinct  whistle  from 
the  edged  primaries  of  a  flushed  bird  is  entirely  different 
from  the  sound  we  now  hear.  This  same  woodcock  passes 
before  us  so  like  a  great  hummingbird,  but  the  circles  he 
makes  in  the  air  are  growing  less  in  circumference  as  he  rises 
spiral  like  against  the  yellow  rays  of  the  moon.  A  series  of 
gushing,  warbling  notes  issue  from  his  throat.  A  remarkable 
vocal  demonstration  for  such  a  droll  looking  bird.  The 
buzzing  of  the  wings  have  ceased.  The  bird  is  three  hundred 
feet  above  and  the  apex  of  his  flight  has  been  reached.  The 
song  ceases  and  the  performer  volplanes  silently  to  the  same 


6  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

cover  from  which  he  arose  and  immediately  resumes  the 
call  note. 

Despite  the  fact  tliat  I  have  been  a  lonesome  spectator  to 
these  demonstrations  for  years  and  years,  they  are  the  most 
fascinating  of  bird  manoeuvres. 

The  sitting  bird  successfully  suppresses  all  signs  of  ner- 
vousness as  she  sits  motionless  upon  her  eggs  beneath  the 
shadow  of  a  drooping  branch  or  broken  stub.  It  seems  impos- 
sible to  conceive  that  the  same  bird  (for  the  male  often  incu- 
bates) is  capable  of  such  an  animated  flight  and  gifted  with 
the  remarkable  vocal  power  which  he  utters  during  the 
mating  and  breeding  seasons. 


A   TIME   WITH   THE    OWLS. 

BY    DR.    R.    W.    SHUFELDT,    WASHINGTON,    D.    C. 

One  afternoon,  sometime  during  the  first  part  of  .January 
(1914),  when  returning  from  the  United  States  National 
Museum  where  I  had  been  looking  over  some  owls,  I  passed 
up  Tenth  Street,  only  a  few  paces  from  the  building  in  which 
I  had  been,  when  I  spied,  suspended  for  sale  in  one  of  the 
markets,  a  fine  specimen  of  the  Barred  Owl  {Strix  v.  varia). 
It  was  an  old  bird  in  perfect  plumage,  and  I  secured  it  for  a 
quarter  of  a  dollar.  Recently  they  have  been  quite  numerous 
in  this  section,  and  this  one  was  shot  within  a  couple  of  miles 
of  where  I  stood  when  making  the  purchase. 

Several  days  passed  before  I  could  get  at  this  specimen; 
but  when  I  did,  I  obtained  from  it  a  very  perfect  skeleton 
as  well  as  a  part  of  the  plumage.  On  opening  its  stomach — 
a  practice  I  never  neglect — it  was  found  to  contain  the 
remains  of  three  or  four  small  mice.  As  usual,  these  remains 
had  formed  into  "pellets,"  principally  consisting  of  hair  and 
bones.  Some  of  the  jaws  w^ere  quite  complete,  and  these  I 
saved,  later  on  showing  them  to  Mr.  Gerrit  S.  Miller,  Jr., 
Curator  of  the  Division  of  Mammals  of  the  U.  S.  National 


THE  VISAGE  OF  THE  SNOWY  OWL   ( NYCTEA  NYCTEA  ;  ADULT) 
Pboto  by  Dr.   Shufeldt 


8  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

Museum,  who  kindly  pronounced  them  to  be  those  of  speci- 
mens of  Pitymys  pinetonim. 

While  investigating  some  of  the  anatomy  of  this  owl — 
another  practice  I  am  almost  invariably  guilty  of  during 
such  operations — there  came  to  hand  a  package  from  Mr 
Edward  E.  Schmid,  the  well-known  proprietor  of  an  exten- 
sive Pet  Emporium  in  Washington,  containing  not  only  a 
fine  Macaw  {Ara  macao),  but  also  an  unusually  good  speci- 
men of  a  Snowy  Owl  {Nyctea  nyctea).  Both  specimens  had 
recently  died,  and  they  were  adults  in  fine  plumage.  Mr. 
Schmid  kindly  sends  me  all  such  material,  and  has  done  so 
for  many  years.  He  is  well  known  to  the  naturalists  of  the 
Smithsonian,  where  he  occasionally  sends  such  animals  as  die 
on  his  hands. 

Here  was  Owl  No.  2,  and  from  it  I  obtained  another  fine 
skeleton,  together  with  not  a  little  more  of  its  structure  or 
its  anatomy,  as  some  people  say.  Parts  of  this  were  so 
important  that  I  wrote  out  a  description  of  them,  which  will 
appear  elsewhere  later  on. 

I  did  not  photograph  the  Barred  Owl,  though  I  usually 
secure  negatives  of  nearly  all  specimens  coming  to  my  study ; 
I  find  the  prints  are  often  valuable,  especially  for  the  use  of 
taxidermists.  Turning  my  camera,  however,  on  the  face  of 
this  Snowy  Owl,  I  got  a  good  negative  of  it,  a  print  from 
which  is  here  reproduced  to  show  how  useful  such  pictures 
may  sometimes  be.  I  have  many  of  them,  not  only  of  birds, 
but  of  a  great  number  of  other  animals.  This  is  not  an 
example  of  the  best  ones,  for  the  big,  yellow  eyes  took  black, 
which  is  unfortunate.  I  have  some  parrots  that  it  would  be 
hard  to  say  whether  they  had  been  taken  from  dead  or  from 
living  specimens ;  later  on  I  propose  to  publish  some  of  these 
— in  fact,  a  few  of  them  are  being  engraved  as  I  write  these 
lines. 

While  contemplating  the  structure  of  my  Snowy  Owl,  a 
curious  coincidence  occurred,  for  tivo  more  of  the  same  species 
came  to  hand.  This  time,  however,  they  came  from  Copen- 
hagen, Denmark,  being  a  most  generous  gift  of  my  friend, 
Mr.  Gerhard  Heilmann  of  that  city.     I  hasten  to  say  that 


^ 


>  '^  "* 


% 


Cxtc 


A   PAIR   OF  SNOWT  OWLS 

From  a  painting  by  Gerhard  Heilmann,  Copenliagen,   Denmark 


10  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

it  was  an  oil  painting  of  these  birds,  the  subjects  being 
natural  size  and  in  an  elegant  plain  frame  of  gilt  (30x30 
inches). 

As  posed  by  the  artist,  these  Owls  are  shown  in  Fig.  2, 
which  is  a  reproduction  of  a  photograph  I  made  of  this 
beautiful  picture.  It  will  be  noted  that  they  are  sitting  on 
a  dark  rock,  partly  covered  with  snow,  the  rock  being  on  the 
shore  of  the  frozen  sea  on  the  north  coast  of  Denmark.  The 
birds  are  contemplating  the  setting  sun,  and  ]\Ir.  Heilmann 
has  been  wonderfully  successful  in  depicting  the  rosy  hues 
of  the  same,  as  its  rays  tinge  their  white  plumages  and  the 
glistening  ice  on  all  sides.  As  we  say  of  so  many  lieautiful 
things  in  this  world,  this  picture  should  be  seen  to  be  appre- 
ciated. 

At  the  present  time,  ^Ir.  Heilmann  is  engaged  ujDon  a  very 
important  piece  of  work — a  study  of  the  origin  of  birds 
from  their  ancestral  stock  among  the  prehistoric  reptiles. 
Two  Parts  of  this  work  are  already  published,  with  many 
fine  illustrations,  and  the  remaining  three  Parts  will  appear 
during  the  course  of  1914. 

With  my  Barred  Owl,  and  old  Nyctea  coming  in  threes,  I 
surely  thought  that  my  strigine  experiences — following  upon 
each  other  with  such  rapidity — would  come  to  an  end ;  but 
no,  I  was  to  be  treated  to  another  immediately  on  top  of 
them.  Hardly  had  my  picture  been  hung  in  an  appropriate 
place,  than  a  call  on  my  'phone  from  Mr.  Schmid  informed 
me  that  he  had  at  my  service  a  fine,  living  specimen  of  an 
adult  Saw-whet  Owl  {Cryptoglaux  a.  arcadica),  which  had 
been  captured  in  the  city  (Washington)  the  day  before.  As 
usual,  the  man  who  took  it  simply  walked  up  to  the  bird  and 
"bagged  it."  In  less  than  an  hour  it  was  in  a  small  cage  in 
my  study,  at  which  time  the  amusements  for  the  afternoon 
were  opened.  He  was  not  altogether  a  fractious  subject,  how- 
ever; not  nearly  as  bad  as  many  another  live  bird  I  have 
photographed. 

It  seems  to  me  that  all  my  life  I  wanted  to  have  in  my 
possession  a  specimen  of  a  living  Owl  of  this  species;  and 
now,  after  waiting  for  over  half  a  century,  here  was  the  real 


SAW -WHET   OWL    (CRYPTOGLAL'X   A.   AKC'ADIA> 
riioto  from  life  by  Dr.  ShufelrU.     Roduced. 


12  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

thing:  a  perfectly  healthy,  adult  "Saw-whet,"  in  elegant 
winter  plumage. 

There  are  but  very  few  even  passable  pictures  of  this  owl 
extant  and  a  good  many  very  poor  ones.  Many  years  ago  I 
saw  one,  painted  life-size  in  water-color  by  John  Woodhouse 
Audubon,  the  erratic  son  of  the  well-known  Franco-American 
ornithologist.  Without  exception  I  think  it  was  the  worst 
picture  of  an  owl  that  I  recall  having  ever  seen.  It  reminded 
me  of  the  labored  drawing  of  a  bird's  nest  by  a  little  fellow 
seven  years  old,  who,  when  he  had  finished  his  sketch,  showed 
it  to  his  father  with  no  small  degree  of  pride.  "What  is  it 
intended  to  represent,  my  son?"  said  the  father,  after  gazing 
at  it  for  a  moment  or  so  with  a  puzzled  expression.  ' '  A  bird 's 
nest,"  explained  the  young  hopeful.  "Oh,"  said  his  parent, 
"it  looked  to  me  like  a  pretty  good  attempt  to  draw  a 
cyclone. ' ' 

On  this  occasion  I  will  not  state  exactly  how  many  dry 
plates  I  expended  on  this  little  representative  of  the 
Strigidce;  but  it  was  a  number  over  a  box  of  five  by  eights 
and  two  eight  by  tens.  I  don't  regret  it  though,  for  I  did 
get  some  pictures  after  the  first  few  attempts,  and  some  good 
ones.    One  of  these  last  is  reproduced  here  (Fig.  3). 

In  studying  him,  I  noticed  that,  Avhen  his  eyes  were  closed, 
the  feathering  below  them  became  very  prominent,  bulging 
outward  and  downward  like  two  tufts — one  beneath  either 
eye.  This  was  especially  the  case  when  he  started  to  doze  off 
to  sleep,  and  it  is  a  character  in  the  plumage  of  this  owl  that 
I  have  never  seen  described.  Thus  far,  he  has  refused  to 
drink  any  water,  and  will  not  eat  raw  beef  placed  as  little 
bits  in  his  cage  at  night.  So  I  have  kept  him  alive  by  feed- 
ing him  with  the  same,  putting  the  pieces,  one  at  a  time,  into 
his  mouth  with  a  pair  of  spring  forceps.  After  swallowing 
two  or  three  pieces,  he  became  very  lively  during  the  course 
of  the  following  ten  minutes.  I  believe  he  would  relish  a 
sparrow,  but  I  have  not  as  yet  secured  one  in  that  I  might 
make  the  trial.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  I  do  not  believe  he  will 
live  very  long  in  confinement ;  but  should  he  succumb,  there 
is  another  skeleton  coming  to  my  collection. 


Pied-Billed  Grebe  Notes  13 

This  is  all  I  have  had  to  do  with  owls  for  the  last  live  or 
six  days. 


PIED-BILLED   GREBE   NOTES. 

BY    IRA    N.    GABRIELSON. 

Ever  since  the  time,  when  as  a  small  boy,  I  first  discovered 
that  the  mass  of  decaying  vegetation  found  floating  in  the 
swamps  was  the  nest  of  the  Pied-billed  Grebe  {Podilymhus 
podiceps)  this  species  has  been  of  great  interest  to  me.  In 
the  course  of  observations  from  year  to  year  a  few  facts  of 
interest  have  been  noted  that  I  do  not  recall  seeing  in  print. 

The  species  nests  here  (Northwestern  Iowa*)  around  the 
edge  of  the  lakes  and  ponds  in  the  rushes  and  in  the  cat-tail 
gwamps.  The  nest  is  built  of  decaying  vegetation  and  is 
usually  floating,  slightly  anchored  to  the  surrounding  reeds. 
The  eggs,  when  left,  are  completely  covered  with  the  nest 
material  and  occasionally  a  few  green  reeds.  The  statement 
is  often  seen  that  the  bird  covers  the  eggs  in  this  manner, 
but  I  do  not  remember  of  seeing  any  explanation  as  to  how 
this  was  accomplished.  After  watching  many  times  one  was 
discovered  in  the  act.  She  stood  or  rather  sat  on  the  edge 
of  the  nest  and  used  the  beak  to  root  the  nest  material  over 
the  eggs.  In  this  manner  she  worked  entirely  around  the 
eggs  until  they  were  hidden  from  view.  The  beak  was  then 
used,  much  as  a  robin  uses  hers  in  ironing  the  nest,  to  spread 
the  material  around.  She  then  seized  one  or  two  reeds,  broke 
them  off  with  a  quick  sidewise  jerk  of  the  head,  laid  them 
across  the  nest,  and  sliding  into  the  water  swam  away. 

It  is  commonly  known  that  many  birds  will  feign  injury 
to  entice  an  intruder  away  from  the  nest  or  young,  but  to 
me,  at  least,  it  was  a  great  surprise  to  know  that  the  Pied- 
billed  Grebe  would  occasionally  resort  to  this  artifice.  Only 
two  instances  of  this  have  come  to  my  notice,  and  both  of 
these  occurred  on  the  same  day,  June  26,  1913.     In  com- 

*  This  includes  notes  made  in  a  Nebraska  swamp  just  across  the  Mis- 
souri Eiver  from  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  as   well  as  those  in  Iowa. 


14  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

pany  with  ]Mr.  Howard  Graham  the  writer  was  poling  a  boat 
thru  the  rushes  of  an  old  swamp  for  the  purpose  of  locating 
Yellow-headed  Blackbird  nests  on  which  Ave  wished  to  make 
some  observations.  Suddenly  a  great  commotion  was  heard 
just  ahead  of  the  boat,  and  I  stepped  to  the  prow  to  see 
what  it  was.  The  boat  was  almost  onto  a  nest  of  this  species 
and  the  old  bird  was  near  it,  apparently  helpless.  One  wing 
hung  limp  and  she  frantically  kicked  and  splashed  about 
without  making  an.y  forward  progress.  All  of  the  time  she 
uttered  a  curious  grating  note  unlike  anything  I  ever  heard 
from  a  grel)e.  For  an  experiment  we  swung  the  boat  around 
and  followed  her.  She  kept  up  these  actions,  but  swam  slowly 
away  until  a  point  some  twenty-five  yards  from  the  nest  was 
reached,  when  she  dived  into  the  reeds  and  was  seen  no  more. 
Shortly  after  this  experience,  progress  became  so  slow  in  the 
boat  that  we  abandoned  it  and  started  to  wade.  After  travel- 
ing about  half  an  hour,  I  came  to  another  grebe  nest  in  which 
the  eggs  were  just  hatching.  Both  parents  were  present  and 
commenced  the  same  performance.  As  I  took  a  step  forward 
they  worked  slowly  away,  splashing  violently  and  creating  a 
great  disturl)ance.  The  same  peculiar  call  was  noted  as  in 
the  other  case.  After  moving  a  few  steps  I  stopped  and 
remained  standing  quietly  near  the  nest.  The  grebes,  on  see- 
ing me  stop,  disappeared  and  I  supposed  they  had  given  up 
the  attempt  to  lead  me  away.  Suddenly  one  popped  into 
view  almost  within  reach  of  my  hand  and  worked  slowly 
aw^ay  as  before.  This  one  had  proceeded  about  ten  yards 
when  the  other  one  came  into  view  near  me  and  started  away. 
The  pair  kept  up  this  alternate  performance  for  fully  five 
minutes  l)efore  they  finally  ceased.  On  seeing  that  I  was  not 
to  l)e  duped  by  their  actions,  they  remained  quietly  on  the 
water  about  ten  yards  away  until  I  started  again.  One  of 
them  followed  me  for  some  distance  before  finally  disap- 
pearing. 

The  parents  seem  to  be  more  devoted  to  the  young  than 
many  of  the  other  marsh  nesting  birds.  The  young  crawl 
from  the  nest  as  soon  as  they  hatch  and  the  parent  leads 
them    away,    always   keeping   between    them    and   a    possible 


Log-Cock  or  Pileated  Woodpecker  15 

enemy.  On  being  approached  she  directs  them  to  the  nearest 
cover,  generally  a  patch  of  reeds,  and  as  soon  as  it  is  reached 
they  all  disappear  except  the  parent.  A  careful  watch  kept 
on  the  edge  of  the  patch  will  usually  reveal  her  swimming 
slowly  back  and  forth  with  only  the  eyes  and  bill  above 
water.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  tind  the  young  once  they 
have  entered  the  weeds,  as  they  are  adept  at  hiding  and 
remaining  motionless. 

In  August  after  the  young  are  feathered  out  and  almost 
fully  grown,  the  grebes  in  one  swamp  or  pond  sometimes 
assemble  in  one  flock  and  feed  together.  The  largest  number 
I  ever  noted  was  on  August  19,  1913,  in  the  same  swamp  in 
which  the  notes  of  June  26  were  made.  This  flock  numbered, 
as  near  as  could  be  counted,  two  hundred.  I  watched  them 
for  some  time  and  saw  them  eating  numbers  of  the  small 
frogs  which  swarmed  about  the  water's  edge  and  on  the  mud 
flats.  Occasionally  two  would  seize  the  same  frog  and  attempt 
to  swallow  it.  This  would  cause  a  tug  of  war,  in  which  several 
others  sometimes  joined,  and  often  neither  of  the  original 
contestants  finally  secured  the  prize. 

Marshalltown,  Iowa. 


THE  ROLL  OF  THE  LOG-COCK  OR  PILEATED  WOOD- 
PECKER. 


BY    ERXEST    \V.    VICKERS. 


For  several  years  I  enjoyed  the  rolling  call  of  a  Pileated 
Woodpecker,  which  from  the  peculiar  resonance  of  sounding- 
board  carried  to  an  almost  incredible  distance.  The  scene 
was  located  a  mile  and  a  quarter  from  my  home,  and  impossi- 
ble as  it  may  appear  I  have  heard  the  roll  when  in  the  house 
with  doors  and  windows  closed;  this  of  course  when  atmos- 
pheric conditions  were  favorable.  Out  of  doors  the  sound 
doubtless  carried  two  miles. 

This  sounding-board  of  the  Log-cock  was  the  big  hollow 
arm  of  a  great  tulip-tree  or  white-wood  {Liriodendron  tulipi- 


16  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

fcra),  usually  miscalled  "poplar''  of  the  lumbermen,  eighty 
to  one  hundred  feet  high,  which  stood  on  an  eminence  between 
two  towns  and  towards  the  west  end  of  a  strip  of  timber  over 
two  miles  long.  This  big  arm  was  flung  westward  and  parallel 
with  the  earth  at  a  height  of  50  to  60  feet,  and  the  spot  on  it 
where  he  hammered  was  barkless,  seasoned,  hard  and  white, 
for  it  had  been  used  for  years. 

Long  had  I  heard  the  drummer  ere  I  located  the  drum, 
which  I  did  one  early  day  in  spring. 

By  care  and  stealth  I  approached  near  enough  with  my 
glass  to  observe  the  bird  to  good  advantage. 

His  modus  operandi  was  as  follows :  Sitting  uj^right 
lengthwise  on  the  limb,  grasping  it  firmly  and  bracing  him- 
self with  his  tail,  poised  and  with  head  drawn  back  and  eyes 
fixed  on  the  spot  to  be  struck;  then,  making  a  pass  or  two, 
as  if  about  to  begin  as  a  skillful  penman  makes  a  preliminary 
flourish,  he  came  suddenly  and  almost  savagely  down  on  the 
limb ;  and  though  the  blows  were  slowly  and  lightly  delivered 
at  first,  they  increased  in  speed  and  force  one  by  one  to  the 
highest  power,  whence  they  diminished  to  the  close.  Thus 
his  roll  was  composed  of  a  dozen  strokes  delivered  as  an 
ascending  and  descending  climax.  These  tones  were  of  a 
peculiar  rich,  resonant  xylophone  quality,  echoing  in  ever 
widening  and  pleasing  circles  off  through  the  woods. 

After  the  delivery  he  would  relax,  pause  as  if  to  note  the 
effect,  or  more  probably  to  listen  for  a  response  from  mate 
or  distant  neighbor,  for  this  habit  may  hark  back  to  a  time 
when  some  such  means  of  "wireless"'  was  necessary  in  the 
vast  reach  of  unbroken  forest.  Thus  there  were  codes  ere 
Morse's  invention  and  ere  the  white  man  arrived  to  plant 
the  poles. 

Then  he  would  hop  about  on  the  limb  a  little  perhaps,  cock 
his  head  this  way  and  that  to  take  in  the  world  below,  dress 
his  feathers  for  a  time  or  search  for  parasites.  But,  although 
so  deliberate,  he  did  not  long  forget  what  he  was  there  for 
and  would  gather  himself  together  to  smite  his  musical  instru- 
ment again.  The  gravity  and  intense  concentration  of  this 
act  made  it  almost  ludicrous  to  the  beholder  were  it  not  for 


Log-Cock  or  Pileated  "Woodpecker  17 

his  earnestness  and  preoccupation.  With  such  energy  did 
he  hammer  that  his  whole  body  shook  and  his  wings  quivered, 
while  the  splendid  scarlet  of  his  loose  hair-like  crest  flowed 
in  the  bright  spring  sunshine,  added  to  which  his  scarlet 
mustaches  gave  him  a  distinguished  and  savage  air. 

Later  in  the  season  I  placed  my  camera  high  in  a  neighbor- 
ing birch  and  waited  beneath  with  more  or  less  patience 
vainly  hoping  to  catch  him  in  the  act.  But  he  must  have  been 
haunting  some  distant  portion  of  his  range,  for  he  never 
came  near. 

Several  years  since  the  big  tulip-tree  came  down  in  a  storm 
and  I  miss  the  wonderful  roll  that  used  to  travel  so  far. 
Occasionally  I  heard  his  bill  on  some  punky  old  snag,  but  it 
is  not  probable  that  he  will  ever  find  another  sounding  board 
comparable  with  the  old  white  wood  arm. 

This  is  the  only  Pileated  Woodpecker  I  ever  saw  beat  upon 
a  horizontal  limb  by  habit.  This  is  the  only  case  that  has  come 
under  my  observation  where  a  log-cock  has  selected  a  hori- 
zontal sounding  board. 

I  afterward  sought  in  the  debris  of  the  uprooted  tulip  for 
this  musical  limb,  but  it  was  impossible  to  discover  a  trace 
of  it  more  than  if  so  wonderful  a  thing  had  been  whisked  off 
by  magic.  It  would  have  been  good  to  have  taken  its  caliber 
and  that  of  the  cavity  within  and  to  have  examined  that 
smooth  hard  spot  where  he  had  smote  full  lustily  so  oft. 

The  roll  of  the  Pileated  woodpecker  is  one  of  the  most 
impressive  sounds  in  nature,  and  among  the  noblest  of  spring, 
being  most  frequently  heard  on  still,  humid  mornings  when 
the  air  seems  hungering  to  transmit  sound;  the  earth  is 
vaporing,  mellowing  ripening  for  the  plow.  The  glad  strain 
of  the  meadow-lark  bursts  everywhere  from  the  ground,  and 
the  cackle  of  the  flicker  comes  from  sunny  places.  All  the 
woodpecker  tribe  love  to  beat  the  tom-tom  in  such  weather, 
but  the  stately  roll  of  Hylotomus  easily  lords  it  over  all.  It 
is  then  as  the  gavel  of  the  speaker  calling  the  Whole  House 
of  Nature  to  order  after  the  defection  and  chaos  of  winter. 


18  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

WINTER  CONDITIONS  IN  NORTHERN  OHIO,  WINTER 

OF  1913-14. 

BY   LYNDS    JONES. 

Everybody  in  the  middle  sections  of  the  United  States  will 
remember  the  early  November  storm  which  resulted  in  block- 
ing traffic  and  the  destruction  of  miles  of  telegraph  and 
telephone  lines.  Any  storm  or  considerable  cold  so  early  is 
unusual  and  might  therefore  be  expected  to  have  its  effect 
upon  the  birds  of  the  region  affected. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Oberlin  this  storm  marked  the  advent  of 
winter  conditions  as  far  as  the  smaller  birds  were  concerned. 
A  good  idea  of  the  conditions  which  followed  this  storm  will 
be  gained  from  the  following  extracts  from  a  letter  written  by 
Mr.  Harry  G.  Morse,  who  resides  at  Huron,  Ohio,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river  by  that  name,  and  within  three  miles  of 
the  marshes  which  extend  eastward  from  Sandusky.  He 
writes:  "It  has  been  rather  quiet  so  far.  I  don't  think  the 
mild  winter  has  had  much  influence  except  in  the  case  of  the 
ducks  and  gulls.  I  have  found  both  Black  Ducks  and  Mal- 
lards since  the  first  of  the  year,  and  Bonaparte's  Gulls  were 
here  until  January  11.  Saw  several  flocks  of  ducks  flying 
south  today  (February  8). 

"Song  Sparrows  and  Flickers  have  been  very  scarce  since 
the  first  of  January.  I  have  a  record  of  a  Killdeer  on 
February  1,  on  the  beach  about  a  mile  west  of  town.  Of  the 
more  uncommon  winter  visitors  I  have  seen  very  little. 
Found  Snowflakes  a  few  times  last  fall  on  the  sand  spit,  and 
a  pair  of  Lapland  Longspurs  near  the  lake  December  28. 

"Robins,  Bluebirds  and  Rusty  Blackbirds,  which  were 
found  all  last  Avinter,  do  not  seem  to  have  stayed  this  year. 
Red-headed  Woodpeckers  are,  however,  fairly  common,  as 
I  have  recorded  about  a  dozen  different  birds  within  a  radius 
of  three  miles  from  town." 

My  own  experience  is  that  of  the  usually  common  winter 
birds.  The  Song  Sparrow  was  entirely  absent  from  most  of 
its  usual  winter  haunts,  while  scattering  Red-headed  Wood- 


Winter  Conditions  in  Northern  Ohio  19 

peckers  were  to  be  found.  Pine  Siskins,  Redpolls,  Snow- 
flakes,  Lapland  Longspurs,  Prairie  Horned  Larks,  Horned 
Larks,  IMeadowlarks,  jMourning  Doves,  Northern  Flickers, 
Kobins,  Bluebirds,  and  Bronzed  Grackles  Avere  in  about  the 
usual  number  in  and  around  Oberlin.  Reliable  reports  of 
Evening  Grosbeaks  and  Snowy  Owls  were  received. 

The  regular  resident  birds  seemed  to  be  in  their  usual 
numbers,  but  Chickadees,  Downy  Woodpeckers,  and  Blue  Jays 
were  more  concentrated  in  town  and  were  hard  to  find  in 
the  country.  No  Carolina  Wrens  have  been  recorded  since 
October,  but  Cardinals  are  rather  more  numerous  than  in 
former  winters. 

The  natural  conclusion,  judged  from  the  past  winter,  is 
that  an  early  storm  of  snow  accompanied  with  cold,  drives  the 
smaller  migratory  birds  south,  but  does  not  seem  to  affect 
much  the  larger  birds  which  are  inclined  to  tarry  until  the 
lakes  and  streams  are  ice-bound.  Thus  the  Canvasback  ducks 
remained  in  Sandusky  harbor  all  winter  until  the  severest 
cold  of  the  winter  in  late  February  closed  the  water  com- 
pletely. It  is  also  interesting  to  note  that  the  Herring  Gulls, 
which  were  fed  at  the  wharves  of  Sandusky  during  that  long 
cold  winter  when  they  must  have  starved  otherwise,  congre- 
gated there  again  this  winter  just  as  soon  as  the  ice  closed 
the  lake,  although  two  winters  of  open  water  had  intervened. 

It  is  apparent  that  we  know  as  little  about  the  winter  move- 
ments and  general  habits  of  birds  as  of  any  phase  of  Orni- 
thology. The  problem  seems  to  be  capable  of  solution  just 
as  soon  as  we  can  organize  the  winter  study  in  a  way  which 
will  make  it  possible  for  students  in  one  section  of  North 
America  to  learn  from  those  studying  in  other  sections  what 
the  conditions  are  which  are  known  to  affect  the  birds  and 
the  known  food  materials.  This  ought  to  be  possible  every 
winter,  but  since  it  appears  not  to  be,  ought  not  the  members 
of  the  Wilson  Club  who  live  in  the  ]\Iississippi  Valley  and 
north  to  organize  for  such  a  campaign  of  study  during  the 
coming  winter?     It  is  certainly  worth  considering  with  care. 


20  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  86 

THE  EFFECT  ON  THE  BIRDS  IN  THE  OPENING  OF 
THE  PARK  AND  THE  BUILDING  OF  THE  RESER- 
VOIRS IN  THE  VICINITY  OF  YOUNGS- 
TOWN,  OHIO. 

By  George  L.  Fordyce. 

For  the  past  ten  years  I  have  been  keeping  a  definite  record 
of  the  migratory  movement  of  the  birds  in  Eastern  Ohio 
within  a  12-mile  radius  of  Youngstown.  The  opening  of  Mill 
Creek  Park,  in  which  there  are  two  reservoirs  in  the  Mill 
Creek  Valley,  and  the  enterprise  of  the  Mahoning  Valley 
Water  Company  in  building  two  reservoirs  in  the  Yellow 
Creek  Valley  has  brought  about  a  marked  change  as  to  the 
birds  that  may  be  seen  in  this  locality. 

Mill  Creek  Park  is  a  deep  gorge,  extending  about  three 
miles  up  the  lower  end  of  the  Mill  Creek  Valley,  with  the 
stream  from  which  its  name  is  derived  winding  through  the 
center.  The  source  of  Mill  Creek  is  some  20  miles — almost 
directly  south  of  Youngstown.  The  gorge,  the  edges  of 
which  represent  the  boundaries  of  Mill  Creek  Park,  extends 
about  three  miles  up  from  where  Mill  Creek  joins  the  Mahon- 
mg  River.  On  either  side  of  this  gorge  are  precipitous  bluffs, 
quite  heavily  wooded,  with  hardwood  trees  as  well  as  a  dense 
growth  of  Hemlocks.  During  the  spring  migration  this  valley 
seems  like  a  funnel,  which  the  birds  follow  in  their  north- 
ward movement  to  where  it  narrows  down  to  the  park  gorge, 
in  which  the  migrants  stop  over  and  are  so  concentrated  that 
one  has  a  remarkable  opportunity  for  bird  observation.  The 
many  miles  of  drives  and  walks  in  the  park  add  very  greatly 
to  this  opportunity. 

Youngstown  is  located  in  the  Mahoning  River  Valley,  and 
substantially  all  the  territory  covered  by  my  observations 
is  in  the  Alleghenian  Life  Zone.  Mill  Creek  Park,  however, 
seems  to  include  some  of  the  Transition  Zone,  and  my  records 
show  that  more  than  90%  of  the  warblers  which  I  have  listed 
during  the  period  covering  these  records  have  been  seen  in 
this  park,  including  some  30  species  of  this  family.  With 
the  exception  of  four  species  of  Warblers,  which  I  mention 


Effect  on  Birds  op  Youngstown,  0.  21 

below,  the  others  are  usually  listed  annually.     The  excep- 
tional records  are  the 

Prothonotary  Warbler May  16, 1911, 

Kentucky  Warbler May  11th,  1909, 

fMay  17th,  1906, 

Connecticut  Warbler May  28th,  1907,  and 

[May  24th,  1913. 
Orange   Crowned  Warbler May  15th,  1909. 

My  Vireo  records  are  nearly  all  made  in  the  Park,  the  only 
unusual  record  being  that  of  the  Philadelphia  Vireo,  May 
12th,  1912,  and  May  6th,  1913. 

Lake  Cohasset,  the  upper  reservoir  in  the  park,  was  filled 
with  water  in  1899,  and  covers  about  28  acres.  This  lake  is 
rather  narrow,  with  steep  bluffs  on  both  sides,  and  for  several 
years  after  being  filled  with  water  was  a  stop-over  place  for 
many  species  of  water  birds.  My  first  water  bird  records 
for  this  locality  were  made  at  Lake  Cohasset,  including  the 
Mergansers,  Lesser  Scaups,  Golden-eye  and  Ruddy  Ducks, 
also  Gulls  and  Terns.  The  most  important  record  for  this 
lake  was  a  male  and  female  Surf  Scoter  that  remained  from 
April  21st  to  April  24th,  1911. 

In  1907,  Lake  Glacier,  at  the  lower  end  of  the  park  was 
fiUed  with  water,  with  an  area  of  about  43  acres.  This  lake 
is  wide  enough  so  that  any  species  of  water  bird  is  liable  to 
stop  in  passing.  Within  a  year  or  two  of  the  formation  of 
this  lake,  the  water  birds  almost  deserted  Lake  Cohasset,  and 
my  records  show  that  at  some  time  during  the  past  five  years, 
nearly  every  species  of  water  bird  to  be  seen  in  this  locality 
has  visited  this  lake,  including  Grebes,  Gulls,  Terns,  Ducks 
and  Coots.  It  was  on  this  lake — October  28th,  1913,  that  I 
established  the  remarkable  record  for  Ohio  of  the  Western 
Grebe.  December,  1913,  a  Loon,  Two-Hooded  Mergansers, 
and  a  Black  Duck  remained  in  a  small  area  of  open  water 
on  Lake  Glacier  until  a  day  or  two  after  Christmas — really 
staying  until  the  ice  closed  in  and  forced  them  to  leave. 
White-winged  Crossbills,  March  3rd,  1907;  Crossbills,  March 
3rd,  1909,  and  Pine  Siskins  at  different  times  are  among  the 
rare  winter  visitors  that  have  visited  "SUM  Creek  Park. 


22  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  86 

Lake  Hamilton  in  tlie  Yellow  Creek  Valley  was  filled  in 
1905  with  an  area  of  about  100  acres.  This  larger  reservoir 
greatly  increased  the  numbers  of  water  birds  that  stopped 
over  in  this  locality,  and  some  years  there  have  been  thou- 
sands of  ducks  on  this  body  of  water  for  one  or  two  days  at 
a  time.  My  first  and  only  record  for  the  Black-crowned 
Night  Heron  was  along  the  shore  of  this  lake  April  21st,  1911. 

In  1910,  Pine  Lake,  with  an  area  of  400  acres,  near  the 
head  waters  of  Yellow  Creek  and  about  12  miles  south  of 
Youngstown,  began  to  fill  with  water,  and  during  the  spring 
migration  of  1911  great  numbers  of  water  birds  stopped  over 
for  days  and  weeks  at  a  time.  This  was  probably  on  account 
of  the  decaying  vegetation  in  the  water,  which  furnished 
unusual  feeding  conditions.  Since  this  larger  reservoir  was 
filled  the  water  birds  have  not  been  as  abundant  at  the  other 
reservoirs  or  visited  them  as  frequently.  I  am  satisfied  that 
during  the  year  1913  I  observed  more  water  birds  and  shore 
birds  about  Pine  Lake  as  to  numbers  than  during  all  other 
years  of  observation  in  the  Youngstown  district  put  together. 
My  first  record  for  the  Canvas-back,  April  9th,  1913,  and  a 
few  later  dates,  was  on  this  lake.  On  April  15th,  1913,  more 
than  100  Horned  Grebes  were  on  the  lake  at  one  time.  Octo- 
ber 3]st,  1913,  while  standing  on  the  east  shore  of  Pine  Lake 
with  i\Ir.  John  P.  Young,  about  200  Canada  Geese  and  a 
flock  of  13  Blue  Geese  circled  over  the  lake  for  a  time,  and 
then  continued  their  southward  journey.  This  is  my  first 
and  only  record  for  the  Blue  Goose.  Previous  to  1913  I  had 
not  recorded  the  Wood  Duck,  except  April  2ud,  1911,  when 
a  male  visited  IMill  Creek  Park.  However,  during  the  fall 
of  1913  I  listed  three  Wood  Ducks — September  12th,  and 
about  30  September  14th  at  Pine  Lake.  Some  of  these,  or 
others,  remained  at  this  lake  until  September  28th.  During 
the  season  of  1913  I  added  to  my  list  quite  a  number  of  species 
of  shore  birds  for  this  locality  around  the  shores  of  Pine 
Lake:  Golden  Plover,  October  23rd;  Semi-palmated  Plover, 
May  9th ;  Baird  Sandpiper,  May  10th ;  Red-backed  Sandpiper, 
October  23rd ;  Semi-palmated  Sandpiper,  May  10th ;  Sander- 
ling,  September  14th.    While  these  were  my  first  records  for 


The  Wilson  Ornithological  Club  23 

these  species  in  this  locality,  all  the  other  and  more  common 
shore  birds  were  quite  abundant  during  the  spring  and  fall 
migration  about  the  shores  of  this  lake.  The  Pipit  and 
Savannah  Sparrow  were  frequently  seen  during  the  summer 
of  1913. 

As  near  as  I  can  estimate  from  my  records  there  are  over  60 
species  of  birds  that  have  been  added  to  my  list  in  this  locality 
since  the  opening  of  the  park  and  the  building  of  these 
reservoirs. 

It  will  perhaps  emphasize  the  opportunity  for  bird  observa- 
tion in  the  vicinity  of  Youngstown  to  refer  to  all-day  lists 
last  ]May,  when  Prof.  Lynds  Jones  was  in  the  field  with  me: 
May  9th,  1913,  116  species;  May  10th,  1913,  113  species, 
nearly  all  of  which  were  in  the  park  or  about  the  reservoirs. 
For  the  year  1913  we  listed  196  different  species  of  birds  in 
the  vicinity  of  Youngstown.  Previous  to  the  building  of  these 
reservoirs  an  all-day  list  of  75  species  was  considered  very 
good,  and  a  yearly  list  of  130  species,  including  residents  and 
migrants,  was  about  the  limit. 

With  such  favorable  conditions  for  bird  study;  the  people 
of  Youngstown  and  vicinity  have  become  quite  generally 
intereste#  in  the  birds.  At  the  present  time  we  have  a  num- 
ber of  men  and  women  who  are  reliable  in  observation  and 
identification,  and  a  great  many  with  a  good  general  knowl- 
edge of  the  birds. 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY  OF  THE  WILSON  ORNITHOLOG- 
ICAL CLUB. 

BY   LYNDS    JONES. 

The  actual  founding  of  the  organization  out  of  which  this 
Club  grew  occurred  on  December  3,  1888,  when  President 
Harlan  H.  Ballard,  of  the  Agassiz  Association,  issued  a 
charter  to  the  Corresponding  Wilson  Ornithological  Chapter 
of  the  Agassiz  Association.  The  movement  was  inaugurated 
by  Mr.  J.  B.  Richards,  of  Fall  River,  IMass.,  who  was  elected 


24  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

its  first  President,  with  the  writer  as  Secretary.  It  is  pretty 
clear  that  this  Chapter  grew  directly  out  of  the  Young 
Ornithologists'  Association,  which  was  organized  some  years 
earlier  by  Mr.  L.  0.  Pindar,  of  Hickman,  Ky.,  in  an  informal 
way,  and  became  a  formal  organization  on  May  29,  1886,  by 
the  adoption  of  a  constitution. 

Of  the  36  members  on  the  original  roll  of  the  Wilson 
Ornithological  Chapter  of  the  Agassiz  Association  but  four 
are  on  our  present  roll.  They  are :  Frank  L.  Burns,  Ber- 
wyn.  Pa. ;  John  H.  Sage,  Portland,  Conn. ;  R.  M.  Strong, 
University  of  Chicago,  and  Lynds  Jones,  Oberlin,  Ohio.  Mr. 
Burns  has  held  all  of  the  offices  of  the  organization,  includ- 
ing the  editorship  of  its  official  organ  for  the  year  1901,  and 
has  written  the  most  notable  papers  which  the  Club  has  pub- 
lished. Mr.  Sage  has  long  been  a  member  of  the  Executive 
Council.  Dr.  Strong  has  also  occupied  every  office  and  in 
addition  handled  the  business  end  of  the  official  organ  in 
1892,  when  the  Wilson  Quarterly  succeeded  the  Semi-Annual 
as  our  official  organ.  The  writer  has  tried  to  do  his  part  in 
keeping  the  movement  going. 

Perhaps  the  greatest  interest  clusters  around  the  various 
publications  which  have  served  as  the  official  organ  of  the 
organization,  but  mention  should  be  made  of  the  change  in 
the  name  which  resulted  in  casting  loose  from  the  parent 
Agassiz  Association,  late  in  1902,  and  reorganizing  under  a 
new  constitution  and  adopting  the  present  name.  The  first 
organization  had  been  avowedly  for  the  purpose  of  bringing 
together,  in  a  mutual  sort  of  way,  the  yoUnger  ornithologists 
of  this  country,  but  with  the  passage  of  time  so  many  grew 
to  man's  estate  that  the  inevitable  must  happen,  so  the  apron 
strings  were  cut.  To  those  who  have  followed  the  career  of 
the  Club  it  will  seem  clear  that  this  cutting  loose  was  neces- 
sary for  the  further  growth  of  the  cause  which  the  organiza- 
tion represented. 

The  first  official  organ  of  the  then  Agassiz  Chapter  was  the 
Curlew,  a  twelve-page  3x5  printed  page  monthly  published 
by  0.  P.  Hauger,  Orleans,  Ind.  This  little  paper  enlarged 
the  size  of  page  to  4x6i/2  with  the  sixth  number,  issued  the 


The  Wilson  Ornithological  Club  25 

seventh  and  then  suspended,  in  April,  1889.  Beginning  with 
January,  1890,  the  Ornithologists  and  Oologists'  Semi- 
annual, published  by  W.  H.  Foote,  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  became 
the  ofSeial  organ  until  its  suspension  with  the  first  number  of 
the  third  volume,  April,  1891.  Beginning  with  the  fourth 
number  of  the  first  volume  of  the  Taxidermist,  edited  by 
E.  W.  Martin  and  managed  by  C.  F.  Mignin,  both  of  Akron, 
Ohio,  space  was  used  until  its  suspension  with  the  May  num- 
ber, 1892.  Beginning  with  April,  1892,  Dr.  Strong  undertook 
the  task  of  publishing  The  Wilson  Quarterly,  which  was  the 
successor  of  the  Ornithologists  and  Oologists  Semi-annual. 
After  publishing  the  July  number  the  funds  available  were 
exhausted,  and  financial  support  was  lacking,  so  suspen- 
sion became  necessary.  In  January,  1893,  a  much  smaller 
publication,  known  as  ''The  Journal,"  was  issued,  under  the 
same  management,  the  writer  remaining  the  editor,  and  after 
two  numbers  it  also  suspended  because  of  lack  of  funds.  This 
ended,  for  the  time  being,  the  efforts  of  the  organization  to 
publish  its  own  official  organ.  Lack  of  support  is  the  proper 
spelling. 

President  Ballard  furnished  space  in  the  Popular  Science 
News  for  ^lay,  1893,  for  a  report  of  the  Owls,  which  was  com- 
piled by  the  writer.  Following  this  report  and  the  suspension 
of  "The  Journal"  communication  between  the  members  was 
maintained  by  means  of  mimeographed  sheets,  done  on  the 
writer's  typewriter  and  the  mimeograph  of  the  Oberlin 
Department  of  Zoology. 

Beginning  with  February,  1894,  the  present  series  of  Bul- 
letins was  begun  by  the  then  Secretary,  William  B.  Caulk. 
These  were  post  card  size,  and  the  three  which  were  issued 
bear  the  dates  of  February,  May  and  July,  1894.  To  supple- 
ment these  several  printed  postal  cards  were  sent  out. 

Two  reports  had  been  prepared  and  it  was  thought  best  to 
publish  them  as  a  fitting  end  to  the  organization.  The  two 
were  the  "Warbler  Report,"  issued  as  Bulletin  No.  4,  Janu- 
ary 15,  1895,  by  the  writer,  and  "The  American  Crow,"  as 
Bulletin  No.  5,  by  Frank  L.  Burns.  These  were  mostly 
financed  by  the  writers  of  the  reports.    Instead  of  killing  the 


26  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

organization,  as  we  expected,  these  reports  seemed  to  infuse 
it  with  such  life  that  the  Avriter  of  this  sketch  was  encouraged 
to  plan  for  the  publication  of  a  modest  official  organ  to  be 
known  as  The  Wilson  Bulletin,  with  a  bi-monthly  appear- 
ance. AcCordingl}^  the  publication  was  begun  in  January, 
1896,  as  a  twelve-page  magazine  with  a  printed  page  of 
5xdy2,  brevier  type.  This  publication  continued  through 
1899,  with  regularly  recurring  deficits  which  the  editor  met 
for  the  good  of  the  cause,  with  some  occasional  assistance 
from  ]\Ir.  Burns  and  others. 

During  the  several  years  preceding  1900  Mr.  Burns  had 
been  working  on  an  exhaustive  study  of  the  Flicker,  and  the 
editor  upon  a  study  of  the  songs  of  the  warblers.  Both  of 
these  papers  were  ready  for  print  by  the  beginning  of  1900, 
and  plans  were  made  for  putting  them  into  print.  The 
deficits  were  becoming  so  onerous  that  it  was  decided  to  issue 
these  two  reports  as  a  grand  finale  and  disband  the  organiza- 
tion. But  history  repeated  itself  and  it  was  found  that  a 
continuance  of  the  publication  was  demanded  by  the  member- 
ship. The  editor  was  not  able  to  spare  the  time  necessary 
for  the  preparation  of  a  bi-monthly,  so  it  was  decided  to 
increase  the  size  of  the  printed  page  and  increase  the  num- 
ber of  pages  in  order  to  make  a  quarterly  magazine  of  rea- 
sonable size.  Volume  12,  1900,  thus  became  the  first  of  the 
enlarged  volumes,  as  at  present. 

An  unusual  stress  of  work  during  1901  precluded  the  possi- 
bility of  the  present  writer  carrying  the  Bulletin  during  that 
year,  so  Mr.  Frank  L.  Burns,  of  Berwyn,  Penn.,  edited  and 
published  that  volume.  Beginning  with  the  year  1902  the 
writer  has  both  edited  and  published  the  Bulletin.  It  has 
been  too  hard  a  task.  For  the  lifting  of  the  burden  of  pub- 
lishing fro]n  his  shoulders  he  is  indeed  grateful,  and  pre- 
dicts a  future  full  of  great  achievements  for  the  Club  which 
the  change  of  policy  will  make  certain.  The  help  which  has 
been  given,  both  financial  and  of  other  but  not  less  real  sorts, 
he  is  certain  not  to  forget. 

The  thought  that  inspired  the  original  founders  of  the 
organization  had  its  roots  in  mutual  helpfulness  among  the 


Handbuch  der  Systematischen  Ornithologie        27 

younger  ornithologists.  Regular  gatherings  were  assumed 
to  be  impossible,  hence  the  expedient  of  cooperation  through 
correspondence  was  hit  upon  as  the  instrument  to  bring 
about  the  results  aimed  at.  That  good  has  resulted  from  this 
necessarily  rather  loose  organization  cannot  be  denied,  as 
witness  the  several  papers  of  no  mean  value  which  were  based 
upon  this  idea  of  cooperation  by  correspondence. 

The  time  came  when  a  change  was  demanded,  and  it  was 
made.  Now  the  time  has  come  when  another  more  profound 
change  is  demanded,  and  it  has  been  made.  That  it  will  result 
in  a  decided  forward  movement  those  who  have  lived  the  life 
of  the  Club  are  confident. 


DIE    VOG EL— HANDBUCH    DER    SYSTEMATISCHEN 
ORNITHOLOGIE. 

BY   DR.   ANTON   REICHENOW. 
A   CRITIQUE  BY   W.   F.    HENNINGER. 

(Read   at   the  meeting  of  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club,   at   Chicago, 
February  6,  1914.) 

The  first  volume  of  this  work  contains  one  map,  185  cuts 
and  529  pages.*  The  writing  of  this  phenomenal  work  was 
caused,  according  to  the  author's  own  words,  by  the  fact  that 
in  spite  of  the  richness  of  German  ornithological  literature 
there  was  no  German  "Handbuch"  or  Manual  of  Systematic 
Ornithology  in  existence  that  took  into  consideration  all  the 
existing  forms  of  birds.  To  supply  this  obvious  need  Dr. 
Anton  Reichenow  has  presented  us  with  a  splendid  work,  that 
gives  us  in  terse  language  as  complete  a  ^Manual  as  seems 
necessary  for  placing  a  bird  in  a  system  of  classification  and 
in  its  proper  relation  to  other  forms.  It  is  limited  in  its 
scope,  however,  as  to  subspecies  and  closely  related  species. 
Still  all  European  birds,  all  the  birds  of  the  German  colonies 

*  The  second  to  be  published  in  the  summer  of  1914. 


28  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

and  all  of  the  more  important  species  are  given.  The  paper 
on  which  it  is  printed  is  good  and  the  binding,  as  in  all 
European  works,  perfect,  in  great  contrast  to  the  majority 
of  American  works,  with  their  absolutely  miserable  binding. 
The  type  is  clear  and  errors  are  not  to  be  found,  no  index  of 
errata  being  necessary. 

The  general  notes  occupy  66  pages,  with  an  extra  page  of 
references  to  works  on  systematic  ornithology  and  current 
literature,  among  which  the  Auk  and  Condor  of  American 
journals  are  mentioned.  This  chapter  contains  information 
on  the  skeleton,  muscles,  brain,  senses,  digestive  apparatus, 
respiratory  and  vocal  organs,  vascular  system,  genital  organs, 
eggs,  time  of  incubation,  feathers,  colors,  moult,  uropygial 
glands,  bill,  feet,  caruncles  and  phosphorescent  tracts,  flight, 
ability  to  swim,  voice,  mating,  nesting,  care  for  young,  nutri- 
tion, propagation  of  plants  by  birds,  intellectual  qualities, 
bastardy,  mimicry,  age,  numbers  of  species,  faunas  and  geo- 
graphical distribution,  migration,  height  of  same,  velocity  of 
flight,  origin,  genealogy,  system  of  classification,  nomencla- 
ture, abbreviation  of  authors'  names,  terminology  given  in 
German,  Latin,  English,  French  and  Italian,  and  instruction 
as  to  measurements. 

In  spite  of  its  brevity  this  chapter  contains  for  instance 
splendid  explanations  of  terms  as  dromaeognathous,  desmog- 
nathous,  schizognathous,  aegithognathous,  schizorhine,  holo- 
rhine,  diastataxism  and  eutaxism,  so  that  in  short  terms  we 
have  here  that  for  which  otherwise  an  extensive  library  is 
needed.  Feather  change  without  moult  or  aptosochromatism 
is  disposed  of  with  the  statement  that  a  feather  once  com- 
pleted is  apparently  no  longer  in  any  connection  with  the 
circulation  of  the  blood.  However,  such  a  change  without 
moult  seems  to  take  place  in  the  appearance  of  the  salmon 
color  on  the  lower  side  of  Mergus  merganser  and  americanus, 
and  on  the  head,  back  and  lower  neck  of  Bubulcus  ibis  in  the 
spring. 

Special  attention  is  paid  to  the  forms  of  feet  found  in 
birds,  and  later  in  the  explanation  of  the  system  of  classifica- 
tion this  becomes  of  the  utmost  importance. 


Handbuch  der  Systematischen  Ornithologie        29 

The  intellectual  or  psychic  qualities  of  the  birds  are  neither 
anthropomorphised  nor  considered  to  be  merely  reflexive. 
The  brain  activity  of  birds  is  stated  not  to  differ  from  human 
thinking  in  quality  but  only  in  quantity.  Attention  is  called 
to  the  fact  that  the  young  bird  will  build  its  nest  as  carefully 
as  the  old  one,  but  on  the  other  hand,  the  young  bird  learns 
to  know  danger  and  perfects  his  song  by  imitating  older  ones. 
Wc  incline  to  the  opinion  that  of  the  four  essential  qualities 
of  human  brain  activity,  i.  e.,  conception,  memory,  perception 
and  language,  birds  certainly  have  a  conception  of  things  and 
memory,  and  this  explains  the  imitative  ability,  but  that  the 
bird  lacks  perception  and  language.  At  times  it  seems  as  if 
birds  do  have  a  perception  of  things,  e.  g.,  the  Crow,  but  upon 
closer  investigation  we  will  find  in  the  majority  of  cases  it 
is  only  a  matter  of  conception  and  memory. 

The  Faunas  (10  or  11  in  number)  as  given  are: 

1.  A  North  Pole  Fauna.  Characteristic  forms  are  the 
Alcidae,  Colymbidae,  Stercorariidae,  the  genera  Rissa,  Xema, 
Pagophila  and  Rodostethia ;  some  species  of  Ducks  and 
Tringidae,  Lagopus,  Falco,  Nyctea  and  Passerina. 

2.  The  South  Pole  Region.  Characteristic  forms :  Sphenis- 
cidae,  Procellariidae,  a  few  Terns,  Ducks,  the  Sheathbills 
(Chionidae)  and  but  one  land  bird,  Anthus  antarcticus. 

8.  The  Palaearctic  Region,  with  no  peculiarly  characteristic 
forms. 

4.  The  African  Region,  south  of  the  20th  parallel  north  lat- 
itude. Characteristic  forms :  Families  Scopidae,  Balaenicipi- 
dae,  Musophagidae,  Coliidae  and  Struthionidae.  This  region  is 
also  the  center  of  abundance  of  many  other  forms,  as  the 
Larks,  Bustards,  Weaverbirds,  Vultures  and  others. 

5.  The  Madagascar  Region,  characterized  by  the  Mesitidae 
and  many  peculiar  genera  of  Parrots,  Cuckoos  and  Oscines. 

6.  The  Indian  Region,  characterized  by  the  Pheasants,  Pea- 
fowls, Argus  Pheasants,  certain  Parrots,  the  Eurylamidae, 
Chloropsidae,  Perirocotidae  and  Dicaeidae. 

7.  Australian  Region.  Characteristic  forms  are  the  Dromae- 
idae,  Casuariidae  and  Paradiseidae. 


30  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

8.  New  Zealand  Region,  characterized  by  the  Apterygidae, 
Nestoridae  and  Stringopidae,  several  Ducks,  Rails,  Plovers, 
Hawks  and  others. 

9.  Nearctic  Region,  North  America  from  the  limit  of  tree 
growth  in  the  north  to  northern  JNIexieo,  with  the  exception  of 
the  extreme  southern  part  of  Florida.    No  peculiar  forms. 

10.  Neotropical  Region,  the  remainder  of  the  Western 
Hemisphere,  is  by  far  the  richest  in  bird  life  and  bird  forms 
and  also  in  peculiar  families :  Rheidae,  Palamedeidae,  Eury- 
pygidae,  Aramidae,  Thinocoridae,  Tinamidae,  Opisthocomidae, 
Cracidae,  Rhamphastidae,  Bucconidae,  Galbulidae,  Momoti- 
dae,  Cotingidae,  Dendrocolaptidae,  Formicariidae,  Pteropto- 
chidae,  Dacuididae.  Also  as  having  the  center  of  abundance 
there :  Conuridae,  Trochilidae  Tyrannidae,  Icteridae,  Tana- 
gridae. 

11.  Birds  of  the  Ocean. 

The  migration  of  birds  is  then  spoken  of  and  no  attention 
whatever  paid  to  the  fallacies  of  a  Gatke  in  his  "Birds  of 
Heligoland,"  and  the  migration  routes  in  general  are  given. 
As  to  the  origin  of  bird  migration  Weissmann's  theory  (1878) 
is  considered  the  most  plausible  one,  namely,  the  emigration 
of  birds  after  the  glacial  period  from  the  tropics  during  the 
warmer  season  of  the  year  and  the  return  at  the  approach 
of  cold  weather  along  the  same  routes,  which  in  time  became 
an  established  habit  through  natural  selection  among  those 
who  possessed  the  inherited  custom. 

We  beg  to  differ  with  the  learned  author.  We  think  that 
Mr.  Frank  ^I.  Chapman  has  so  far  given  the  best  reason  for 
the  migration  of  birds.  "Auk,"  XI,  1894,  pp.  12-17,  shows 
that  the  causes  of  bird  migration  are  internal  and  not  external, 
that  many  animals  have  an  instinctive  desire  for  seclusion 
during  the  season  of  reproduction,  and  that  in  the  case  of 
Sea-birds,  for  instance,  dissection  will  show  an  enlargement 
of  the  sexual  organs  and  that  it  is  this  physiological  change 
which  warns  the  birds  that  the  season  of  reproduction  is  at 
hand.  "The  object  is  the  same  wdth  the  Warbler,  as  well  as 
with  the  Sea-birds.  Dr.  Allen  later  on  calls  attention  to  the 
fact,  the  great  fundamental  fact,  that  the  life  of  animals, 


Handbuch  der  Systematischen  Ornithologie        31 

and  especially  of  migratory  animals,  is  made  up  of  annual 
cycles,  as  is  the  life  of  plants,  which  have  their  fixed  and 
determinate  seasons  for  flowering  and  fruiting.  This  is  the 
key  to  the  impulse  of  the  spring  migration,  of  which  the  fall 
migration  is  but  the  necessary  complement,  inasmuch  as  in 
most  instances  the  winter  conditions  of  the  breeding  grounds 
of  most  species  are  prohibitive  of  their  continued  residence 
therein  throughout  the  year. "  {"  Auk, ' '  XXV,  1908,  pp.  332- 
333.)  These  facts  and  conclusions  are  so  correct  and  final 
that  no  other  theory  is  necessary.  As  the  ' '  Auk ' '  is  numbered 
among  the  journals  used  by  Dr.  Reichenow,  we  fail  to  under- 
stand why  he  overlooked  these  investigations  of  ]Mr.  Chapman. 
In  fact,  I  do  not  believe  that  he  overlooked  them,  but  it  seems 
impossible  to  convince  any  of  the  European  savants  that  any- 
thing good  can  come  out  of  America.  It  is  high  time  that  a 
good  many  of  them  should  have  their  eyes  opened  to  the  fact 
that  the  "uneducated  Americans"  are  doing  a  goodly  piece  of 
the  world's  scientific  work,  but  from  personal  experience  I  can 
say  that  they  die  hard.  Several  pages  are  devoted  to  the 
fossil  birds  and  the  classification  of  birds  according  to  Fiir- 
bringer  is  quoted  in  full.  The  writer  then  proceeds  to  give 
his  own  system.  He  says  that  a  system  based  upon  the  inter- 
nal organs  has  a  high  value,  but  that  the  internal  organs  are 
just  as  much  subject  to  changes  as  the  external  parts  through 
the  conditions  of  living,  food  and  motion.  The  author  says 
that  such  genealogical  rows  as  Fiirbringer's  have  a  high 
value  to  give  further  investigations  the  right  direction,  but 
can  not  ser\e  as  systems  which  have  the  practical  value  to 
give  a  clear  perspective  of  the  masses  of  forms  so  as  to  learn 
to  know  the  manifold  forms.  For  this  there  is  needed  a 
"logical  system"  based  on  a  few  apparent  characteristics. 
The  genealogical  representation,  which  should  teach  how  the 
various  forms  have  developed  out  of  one  another,  presupposes 
the  knowledge  of  the  separate  individual  forms,  while  the 
system  should  first  teach  us  the  knowledge  of  these  forms. 
In  a  practical  system  the  principal  point  is  to  limit  the  coordi- 
nate groups  as  much  as  possible  in  regard  to  number,  and 
rather  to  create  subordinate  categories  and  in  a  logical  way  to 


32  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

divide  every  major  group  into  smaller  ones  down  to  the 
species.  System  and  genealogy  pursue  absolutely  different 
purposes  and  must  be  coordinate. 

He  points  out  the  contradiction  between  calling  the  former 
a  natural  system  and  the  other  one  an  artificial  one,  because 
nature  builds  up  no  such  categories,  but  creates  individuals 
only.  Nature  has  the  desire  to  vary,  the  inclination  to 
divergence  and  the  wiping  out  of  dividing  lines.  The  point 
is  evidently  well  taken,  but  we  can  not  see  why  later  on  he 
then  speaks  against  Trinomialism,  at  least  in  part. 

Dr.  Reichenow's  system  is  as  follows: 

1st  Row.  Ratitae:  Short-winged  birds,  i.e.,  birds  without 
a  keel  on  sternum  and  rudimentary  wings. 

2nd  Row.  Natatores:  Swimmers.  Characteristic  is  the 
webbed  foot.  Exceptions :  Anseranas  with  split  toes  and  Fre- 
gata. 

3rd  Row.  Grallatores:  Stilt  footed  birds.  Characteristic 
is  the  foot,  tarsus  not  feathered,  bill  without  cere.  Excep- 
tions :  Scolopax,  which  has  the  tarsus  feathered,  webs  be- 
tween the  feet  have  Droma,  Recurvirostra,  Cladorhynchus  and 
Phoenicopterus. 

4th  Row.  Cutinares:  Cerebills.  Bill  with  a  cere,  feet 
often  raptorial  or  fissorial.  A  cere  is  found  in  the  Parrots, 
but  their  feet  are  not  raptorial. 

5th  Row.  Fibulatores :  Pair-toed  birds.  Birds  with  climb- 
ing feet. 

6th  Row.  Arboricolae:  Treebirds.  Forms  of  feet  are  char- 
acteristic ;  bill  without  cere,  except  Caprimulgidae,  which  have 
an  incomplete  or  rudimentary  cere. 

This  system  is  certainly  scientific  and  simple.  Of  course 
difference  of  opinion  will  continue,  but  Dr.  Reichenow's  is  as 
good  as  any  that  has  been  advocated  and  has  the  advantage 
that  it  is  more  in  conformity  with  the  classification  of  other 
classes  of  animals. 

Dr.  Reichenow  then  proceeds  to  tell  us  that  the  last  inter- 
national congress  of  zoologists  has  modified  the  law  of  priority 
in  regard  to  names,  i.  e.,  to  retain  certain  well-established 
names,  as  Falco,  Buteo  Psittacus  and  others,  regardless  of 


Handbuch  der  System  atischen  Ornithologie        33 

the  law  of  priority.  This  will  be  received  with  great  satis- 
faction by  a  great  many  scientists  and  perhaps  all  amateurs. 
The  Reviewer  thinks  differently  on  the  subject.  He  believes 
that  the  law^  of  priority  should  be  rigidly  enforced.  The  time 
will  come,  and  is  nigh  at  hand,  when  most  of  the  disputed 
cases  will  be  settled.  It  is  not  honorable  to  take  away  from 
some  man  the  right  and  honor  of  having  coined  a  name, 
though  it  may  cause  its  a  good  deal  of  inconvenience  to  find 
out  to  whom  that  first  right  belongs.  Because  men  have 
blundered  in  the  past,  or  have  been  careless,  is  no  reason 
why  we  should  not  right  things  and  give  honor  to  whom 
honor  is  due. 

Dr.  Reichenow  also  comes  out  against  Trinomialism,  espe- 
cially in  regard  to  geographic  variations.  Undoubtedly  sins 
along  this  line  have  been  too  frequent,  l)ut  the  reason  is 
simply  because  many  geographical  variations  have  been  named 
that  deserved  no  name  whatever;  not  that  the  differences 
do  not  exist,  but  the  utility  •  of  name-giving  ceases  in  such 
cases,  e.  g.,  our  Song  Sparrows.  This  fact  is  pointed  out  in  the 
great  work,  ' '  The  Macrolepidoptera  of  the  World, ' '  and  what 
holds  true  in  regard  to  butterfiies,  where  the  differences  are 
much  less  conspicuous  than  in  birds,  is  true  in  a  far  greater 
sense  in  regard  to  birds.  Outside  of  these  geographical  varia- 
tions. Dr.  Reichenow  is,  of  course,  a  trinomialist.  The  rela- 
tion of  a  geographical  variation  to  its  main  species,  however, 
must  find  some  kind  of  expression,  and,  if  not  trinomials,  what 
then  ?  Any  other  way  would  be  far  more  cumbersome !  The 
rest  of  the  general  remarks  are  of  minor  importance. 

The  Ratitae  are  divided  into  four  orders  and  five  families, 
and,  of  course,  include  the  Ostriches,  Rheas,  Emus,  Casso- 
waries and  the  Apteryges. 

The  Natatores  include  the  Penguins  and  Divers  (families 
Alcidae,  Colymbidae),  the  Longipennes  (Albatrosses,  Fulmars, 
Petrels,  Shearwaters,  Gulls,  Terns),  all  the  Steganopodes,  and 
all  the  Lamellirostres,  five  orders  and  fourteen  families  and 
ten  subfamilies.  While  we  do  not  expect  to  have  all  of  the 
American  birds  treated  as  stated  in  the  preface  of  the  work, 
we  note  the  following:     In  the  enumeration  of  the  Alcidae 


34  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

the  series  breaks  off  abruptly  with  Simorhynchiis  cristatelliis. 
Aethia  pygmaea  and  pusilla  coukt  easily  have  been  mentioned 
to  complete  the  series,  Ptyehorhamplms  aleuticus  not  being 
recorded  at  all,  while  several  rarer  forms  are  given.  The 
common  Loon  is  mentioned  from  Greenland  only,  and  the 
Blackthroated  not  credited  to  America  at  all.  We  consider 
this  a  grievous  fault  because  it  creates  the  impression  that 
both  of  these  species  are  not  found  on  the  North  American 
continent  at  all,  and  while,  of  course,  any  American  ornithol- 
ogist knows  better,  some  of  the  younger  European  beginners, 
who  will  no  doubt  use  the  book  in  their  studies,  will  get  an 
incorrect  idea.  In  accordance  with  Dr.  Reichenow's  ideas  as 
to  trinomialism,  Colymbus  nigricollis  cal.  gets  credit  as  a 
full  species,  as,  for  instance,  among  the  Geese,  Chen  Hyper- 
borea  nivalis  and  Branta  C.  Hutchinsii,  Colymbus  holbolli  is 
not  given ;  if  considered  identical  with  griseigena,  the  geo- 
graphical habitat  of  the  latter  should  be  extended  to  cover 
America.  None  of  the  Albatrosses  is  credited  with  an  occur- 
rence in  America.  Among  the  Petrels  Oceanodroma  hornbyi 
is  given  a  place,  while  many  other  more  common  forms  are 
omitted.  We  do  not  understand  why  such  an  undue  prom- 
inence should  be  given  this  form  and  others  not  even  men- 
tioned. No  distinction  is  made  between  the  genera  ^Nlegales- 
tris  and  Stercorarius,  and,  we  think,  justly  so.  Under  Procel- 
sterna  only  two  species  are  mentioned;  the  new  form  from 
Necker  Island  is  not  recorded.  No  record  of  Hydrochelidon 
n.  surinamensis  is  found ;  if  considered  identical  with  nigra, 
the  habitat  should  include  America.  The  Frigate  birds  are 
credited  with  laying  two  or  three  eggs,  on  what  authority  we 
know  not.  The  American  ornithologists  have  found  them  lay- 
ing only  one  egg.  For  the  Surf  Scoter  the  generic  name 
Macrorhamphus  Lesson  is  chosen.  Now,  as  far  as  we  know, 
Lesson 's"Traite  d'Ornithologie"  was  published  in  1831,  while 
in  1817  already  T.  Forster,  in  his  ''Synopsit.  Cat.  Brit. 
Birds,"  used  the  name  for  the  Dowitcher,  the  specific  name 
of  which  (griseus)  dates  back  to  Gmelin,  in  1789 ;  and  under 
the  name  for  the  Dowitcher  we  again  find  Macrorhamphus, 
this  time  quoted  from  Leach. 


Handbucii  der  Systematischen  Ornitiiologie        35 

The  Grallatores  are  divided  into  three  orders:  Cursores, 
with  four  sii])orders:  Liiuieolae  (families  Charadriidae  (sub- 
families Chioniiiae,  Ilaematopinae,  Cursoriinae,  Charadriinae 
and  Oedicneminae),  Dromadidae  (African),  Scolopacidae 
(subfamilies  Himantopodinae,  Totaninae  and  Scolopaeiuae)  ; 
suborder  Calamieolae  (families  Eallidae  (subfamilies  Rallinae, 
Gallinulae  and  Fulicinae),  Aramidae,  Jacanidae,  Eurypygi- 
dae  and  ]\Iesitidae)  ;  suborder  Arvieolae  (families  Otididae 
and  Gruidae)  ;  suborder  Palamedeae  (families  Palamedeidae). 
Order  Pelopatidae,  with  one  family  :  Phoenicopteridae.  Order 
Grcssores,  five  families :  Ibididae,  Ciconiidae,  Seopidae,  Balae- 
nicipidae  and  Ardeidae. 

This  row  is  very  complete,  though  we  would  like  to  have 
seen  Himantopus  mexicanus,  Totanus  flavipes  and  Totanus 
solitarius  mentioned,  as  well  as  others.  The  very  peculiar 
form,  Numenius  tahitiensis,  should  certainly  not  have  been 
omitted.  Several  Japanese  forms  are  also  missing  which  we 
would  like  to  have  seen  embodied  in  the  work.  Nycticorax 
nycticorax  is  not  distinguished  from  naevius,  and  here  the 
Reviewer  thinks  Dr.  Reichenow  right  and  our  American  orni- 
thologists wrong. 

The  Cutinares  are  divided  into  five  very  different  orders : 
1.  Deserticolae,  with  three  families,  none  of  which  is  ne- 
arctic.  2.  Crypturi,  with  one  family,  neotropical.  3.  Rasores. 
with  five  families,  of  which  the  second  Cracidae  is  represented 
in  our  fauna  by  the  Chachalaca,  the  fifth  and  sixth  by  the 
Grouse,  Quails  and  Partridges.  Here  the  wrong  name,  Pedio- 
caetes,  appears  again  instead  of  Pediocoetes,  while  we  know 
that  Baird  originally  and  correctly  wrote  Pediocoetes,  as  Dr. 
Gill  has  pointed  out  in  the  "Auk."  4.  Gyrantes,  the  Pigeons, 
with  four  families,  of  which  the  second  and  third  only  are 
found  in  the  nearctic  region.  Of  Chamaepelia  no  subspecies 
are  given,  and  the  Island  of  Jamaica  is  the  only  habitat  men- 
tioned. Leptoptila  is,  of  course,  spelled  correctly,  and  not 
wrong,  like  in  our  check  list,  but  not  attributed  to  the  ne- 
arctic region,  as  is  the  case  with  several  others.  5.  Raptatores. 
two  orders.  Aecipitres  and  Striges.  The  former  order  has  four 
families:   Cathartidae,   Vulturidae,   Serpentariidae   and   Fal- 


36  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  86 

conidae.  The  Cal.  Condor  is  said  to  be  apparently  extinct. 
We  can  assure  Dr.  Reichenow  that  it  is  by  no  means  extinct. 
Accipiter  cooperi  is  given,  but  not  velox.  Buteo  lineatus  is 
likewise  omitted,  but  the  rare  Buteo  brachyurus  is  fully 
treated.  The  treatment  of  the  Gyrfalcons  will  also  not  meet 
with  the  approval  of  our  ornithologists.  Striges:  All  of  the 
subspecies  of  the  Strix  flammea  are  given,  but  nothing  is  said 
of  the  North  American  form,  Pratincola. 

The  Fibulatores  are  divided  into  two  orders :  the  Parrots 
and  the  Scansores.  Only  the  former  are  discussed  in  the 
present  volume  and  our  two  forms  are  duly  given,  but  it 
should  have  been  stated  that  the  Carolina  Parrakeet  is  appar- 
ently extinct. 

It  is,  of  course,  a  very  unpleasant  task  to  call  attention  to 
such  minor  details  and  defects  in  a  work  of  this  kind,  and 
they  certainly  do  not  detract  materially  from  the  value  of 
the  work,  but  in  a  critical  review  the  minor  points  as  well 
as  the  major  ones  should  be  taken  into  consideration  and 
due  attention  given  them.  As  it  is,  however,  Dr.  Reichenow 's 
book  will  long  stand  out  as  a  work  of  phenomenal  learning 
and  knowledge  and  his  system  of  classification  will  be  recog- 
nized as  not  only  thoroughly  scientific,  but  also  as  eminently 
practical.  He  has  presented  us  with  a  work  for  which  we 
all  should  be  very  thankful  and  which  any  student  of  orni- 
thology will  do  well  to  use  in  the  pursuit  of  his  studies  and 
investigations. 


BIRD  SURGERY. 

The  accompanying  illustration  represents  the  wing  bone  of 
the  Greater  Snow  Goose  (Chen  hyperborea  nivalis)  found 
when  skinning  the  bird  in  the  fall  of  1912.  The  fracture, 
made  by  a  No.  4  shot,  must  have  been  made  either  during  its 
flight  south  or  else  upon  its  feeding  grounds  during  the  sum- 
mer. The  illustration  shows  how  well  nature  heals  its  wounds 
and  how  quickly.  Harold  H.  Bailey, 

Newport  News,  Va. 


THE    WILSON    BULLETIN 


A  Quarterly  Magazine  Devoted  to  the  Study  of  Birds. 
Official  Organ  of  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club. 


Edited  by  LYNDS  JONES. 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  WILSON  ORNITHOLOGICAL  CLUB,  AT  CHICAGO,  ILL. 
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The  result  of  the  vote  in  favor  of  ratifying  the  action  taken  at  the 
Chicago  meeting  to  j^rovide  for  a  regular  annual  meeting,  and  the  rati- 
fication of  the  list  of  officers  tentatively  chosen  at  the  meeting,  is  most 
gratifying.  There  are  suggestions  for  changing  minor  points  i5f  the 
proposed  constitution  which  will  be  taken  up  at  the  next  annual  mefeting. 
Therre  was  no  dissent  of  the  list  of  officers  nominated.  Their  names 
appear  above.     The  toTal-v'ote'to  date  has  reached  72,  with  all  appiT^^'ing. 

-^ o- - 

A  perusal  of  any  number  of  the  ' '  Auk ' '  brings  out  the  fact  clearly  that 
at  least  in  the  eastern  sections  of  the  country  there  are  many  unusual 


Editorial  39 

occurrences  of  birds.  While  it  is  true  that  more  work  has  been  done  iu 
those  sections,  and  therefore  probably  better  ground  for  knowing  Just 
what  occurrences  are  unusual,  we  believe  that  in  this  particular  the  East 
does  not  outrank  the  Middle  West.  If  all  of  the  unusual  occurrences  for 
the  region  which  we  are  supposed  to  especially  cover  are  written  up  and 
sent  in  for  publication,  that  department  of  the  "  Wilson  Bulletin  "  would 
assume  the  importance  which  it  should  assume.  Fresh  notes  of  tliis 
sort  right  from  the  field  not  only  add  a  peculiar  interest  to  the  magazine, 
but  also  go  to  show  the  activity  of  the  folks  who  live  and  work  in  the 
region.     Send  vour  notes  in. 


The  virtual  reorganization  of  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club  from  a 
purely  corresponding  organization  to  one  which  will  hereafter  hold  annual 
meetings  marks  an  epoch  not  only  in  the  organization  but  as  well  in  the 
central  districts  of  North  America,  which  is  the  particular  field  of  the 
organization.  The  region  has  witnessed  the  rise  and  fall  of  various 
organizations  of  a  local  character,  but  none  has  ever  appeared  even  for 
a  short  period  which  served  to  weld  together  the  men  and  women  of 
the  region  who  are  interested  in  the  study  of  birds  and  who  are 
working  iu  the  same  field.  With  such  an  instriunent  there  should  be, 
is  certain  to  be,  as  substantial  a  growth  here  as  we  have  seen  along  the 
two  coasts  where  it  has  been  possible,  for  yeais,  for  folks  of  the  same 
mind  to  get  together  and  work  together. 

0 

Before  the  next  number  of  the  ' '  Bulletin ' '  is  in  the  mails  the  opportunity 
will  come  for  all  of  us  to  undertake  the  intimate  study  of  one  or  more 
pairs  of  nesting  birds.  By  how  much  would  our  knowledge  of  the  life 
history  of  even  the  Eobin  be  advanced  if  somebody  could  have  the  oppor- 
tunity to  compare  the  accounts  of  the  nesting  activities  of  ten  pairs 
of  Eobins  sent  in  from  as  many  different  localities !  Perhaps  not  all  of 
us  have  the  training  which  is  necessary  to  carry  on  such  intensive  studies, 
but  any  of  us  can  add  to  our  sum  total  of  knowledge  in  this  field  by 
painstaking  effort.  We  earnestly  hope  that  there  will  be  many  careful 
studies  of  the  nest  activities  of  many  species  during  the  coming  nesting 
season. 


At  the  Washington  spring  meeting  of  the  American  Oriiithologists' 
Union  there  is  to  be  a  discussion  concerning  insectivorous  birds — as  to 
whether  they  are  or  are  not  decreasing  in  numbers.  To  supplement  this 
discussion  it  would  be  valuable  if  a  large  number  of  people  from  the 
central  districts  would  give  their  opinions  on  this  topic.  The  editor  will 
undertake  to  prepare  such  matter  for  ijublication  in  the  June  number 
of  the  "Bulletin"  if  such  reports  are  sent  in  to  him.  It  is  a  vital  subject 
and  should  receive  our  earnest  attention. 


40  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

In  entering  upon  the  plan  of  having  the  offices  of  editor  and  business 
manager  presided  over  by  different  individuals  and  the  office  of  publi- 
cation transferred  to  Chicago,  111.,  while  the  office  of  the  editor  remains 
at  Obei'lin,  Ohio,  there  is  certain  to  be  some  delay  until  we  become 
adjusted  to  the  change.  We  are  certain,  however,  that  in  the  long  run 
the  change  will  work  to  the  great  advantage  of  the  ' '  Bulletin ' '  as  well  as 
to  the  Club  of  which  it  is  the  official  organ.  A  little  more  time  must  be 
allowed  for  getting  copy  to  the  printer  and  for  the  correction  of  proofs 
and  their  return.  But  if  every  contributor  will  get  his  copy  to  the  editor 
by  the  fifteenth  of  the  month  preceding  publication  the  wheels  will  be 
seen  to  run  smoothly  and  each  issue  will  be  out  on  the  date  set. 


-0- 


The  "Auk"  is  entering  upon  its  31st  volume,  the  "Wilson  Bulletin" 
upon  its  26th  volume,  and  "Bird-Lore"  and  "The  Condor"  upon  their 
16th.  The  Wilson  Ornithological  Club  has  actually  been  publishing  its 
own  official  organ  for  22  years,  and  the  present  number  marks  the  begin- 
ning of  its  21st  volume  under  its  present  title.  It  has  witnessed  the  birth, 
growth  and  death  of  many  worthy  efforts  of  local  organizations.  It  is  out- 
ranked in  age  only  by  the  "Auk"  and  the  "Oologist. "  From  small  be- 
ginnings it  has  gone  steadily  forward  until  it  deserved  to  rank  among  the 
few  survivors  of  a  once  numerous  host.    Its  future  was  never  brighter. 

0 


The  ' '  Bund  Deutscher  Forscher, ' '  President  Georg  August  Grote,  Han- 
over, Germany,  has  arranged  with  the  Eev.  W.  F.  Henninger,  of  New 
Bremen,  Ohio,  to  publish  a  book  on  the  North  American  birds  in  the  Ger- 
man language,  entitled  ' '  Ne-Arktisches  Vogelleben, ' '  the  same  to  con- 
tain the  life  histories  of  the  North  American  birds,  i.  e.,  of  all  those 
birds  which  are  found  to  breed  in  the  ne-arctic  region,  waifs  and  siib- 
speeies  to  be  described  and  recorded  but  not  to  receive  an  exhaustive 
treatment.  The  work  is  to  be  illustrated  by  about  150  colored  plates  and 
numerous  photographs  and  to  be  published  in  about  35  to  40  parts.  The 
classification  used  will  be  that  of  Dr.  A.  Eeichenow,  in  order  to  be  in 
accord  with  German  investigations.  If  sufficient  subscribers  are  found 
after  the  first  part  is  issued,  which  will  be  about  June  the  first,  the  work 
will  be  continued.  Such  men  as  Prof.  G.  Eifrig,  Lynds  Jones,  F.  C. 
Willard,  of  Tombstone,  Ariz.,  Oscar  E.  Baynard,  of  Clearwater,  Fla.,  and 
Isaac  E.  Hess,  of  Philo,  111.,  will  assist  Rev.  Henninger  in  the  work,  be- 
sides many  other  noted  ornithologists.  The  work  will  be  authentic  in 
every  particular,  and  should  find  numerous  subscribers  in  this  country 
as  well  as  in  Europe.  The  price  will  be  one  mark  and  50  pfennig  in 
Germany,  and  will  come  to  about  40  cents  a  part  in  this  country.  Sub- 
scriptions will  be  received  by  the  president  in  Hanover,  or  by  Rev.  W.  F. 
Henninger,  New  Bremen,  Ohio.  Later  on  the  agency  for  America  will 
be  transferred  to  some  German  publishing  house  in  America. 


The  Wilson  Ornithological  Club  41 

Minutes    of    the    First    Meeting    of    the    Wilson 
Ornithological  Club 

The  first  session  of  the  first  meeting  ever  held  by  the  Wilson  Ornitho- 
logical Club  was  opened  on  Feb.  5,  1914,  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.  at  the  Acad- 
emy of  Sciences,  Lincoln  Park,  Chicago,  Illinois.  In  the  absence  of  the 
president  and  vice-president,  the  secretary,  C.  W.  G.  Eifrig,  called  the 
meeting  to  order  and  introduced  Mr.  F.  C.  Baker,  the  curator  and  acting 
director  of  the  Academy,  who  welcomed  the  club  on  behalf  of  the  man- 
agement of  the  institution,  extended  the  liberties  of  the  academy  to  the 
club  and  wished  it  success  in  its  deliberations.  The  secretary,  on  behalf 
of  the  club,  thanked  Mr.  Baker  for  his  kindly,  well-chosen  words. 

The  first  business  for  the  meeting  was  the  election  of  a  temporary 
chairman,  which  was  done  by  selecting  Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens,  of  Morning- 
side  College,  Sioux  City,  Iowa.  The  secretary  then  read  a  tentative  order 
of  business  for  the  meeting.  Resolved  that  this  be  more  or  less  closely 
adhered  to. 

Concerning  the  election  of  officers,  it  was  resolved  to  have  the  mem- 
bers of  council  present  at  the  meeting  submit  at  one  of  the  next  sessions 
a  list  of  nominations  for  the  various  offices,  also  that  they  first  pass  on 
the  proposed  candidates  for  active  and  associate  membership. 

Then  the  matter  of  the  ' '  Bulletin, ' '  the  official  organ  of  the  club,  was 
taken  up.  The  editor,  Mr.  Lynds  Jones,  was  called  upon  to  address  the 
club  on  the  status  and  needs  of  our  publication.  He  gave  a  resume  of 
the  published  transactions  of  the  club  and  of  the  club  itself  from  the  be- 
ginning, showing  the  ups  and  downs  in  the  life  of  both  and  the  difficulties 
the  editor  has  had  to  contend  with,  these  latter  being  mostly  of  a  finan- 
cial kind,  often  imposing  great  hardships  and  sacrifices  on  him.  Further 
deliberation  of  this  matter  was  postponed  to  the  afternoon  meeting. 

Next  the  treasurer,  the  Rev.  W.  F.  Henninger,  of  New  Bremen,  Ohio, 
read  a  detailed  report  of  the  finances  of  the  club  for  the  last  five  years. 
This  again  told  a  story  of  financial  storm  and  stress,  but  ending  with  the 
statement  that  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  club  there  was  a 
balance  amounting  to  $43.00,  instead  of  the  usual  deficit.  The  report 
was  adopted.  Then  the  secretary  reported  on  the  membership  of  the 
club,  which  shows  the  experiences  of  similar  clubs  the  world  over,  viz., 
of  losses  in  membership  due  to  the  lack  of  interest  or  the  non-payment 
of  dues,  which  are,  however,  more  than  offset  by  gratifying  accessions 
to  the  membership.  Especially  have  some  members  in  Iowa  been  busy 
of  late  in  increasing  the  membership  by  new  recruits.  Resolved,  that  the 
list  of  members,  together  with  the  reports  of  the  officers,  be  annually 
printed  and  sent  to  the  members. 

Since  the  holding  of  meetings  is  a  new  departure  in  the  life  of  tlie 
club,   making  it  essentially  a  somewhat  different  kind  of  organization. 


42  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

for  which  no  provision  has  been  made  in  the  constitution,  the  advisability 
of  drafting  a  new  or  revised  constitution  was  next  broached.  All  the 
speakers  were  unanimous  in  the  conviction  that  the  time  was  ripe  and 
opportune  for  broadening  and  extending  the  usefulness  of  the  club  and 
its  official  organ,  as  well  as  for  increasing  the  membership,  if  only  prop- 
erly organized,  systematic  efforts  were  made.  Here  the  discussion  was 
adjourned  and  resolved  to  hold  the  afternoon  meeting  from  2  to  4:30 
0  'clock. 

AFTERNOON  MEETING,  FEB.  5,  1914. 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  the  chairman.  Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens. 
The  matter  of  the  ' '  Bulletin ' '  was  again  taken  up  and  Prof.  Lynds  Jones 
spoke  at  length  on  the  finances  and  literary  contributions  for  the  same. 
Eesolved  that  an  auxiliary  editorial  committee  be  formed,  composed  of 
one  or  more  members  in  each  state  and  province  in  the  natural  territory 
of  the  club,  i.  e.,  the  interior  of  North  America,  such  members  to  see 
to  it  that  field  notes  and  other  pertinent  articles  from  their  respective 
states  or  provinces  be  regularly  sent  for  publication  to  the  editor.  The 
nominating  committee  is  to  nominate  the  members  of  this  committee  also. 

In  order  to  relieve  the  editor  of  some  of  the  too  great  burdens  he  has 
hitherto  borne  in  connection  with  the  editing  and  publishing  of  the 
' '  Bulletin, ' '  it  was  resolved  to  create  the  office  of  business  manager  for 
the  "Bulletin."  Eesolved,  to  appoint  a  committee  for  revising  the  con- 
stitution, said  committee  to  embody  in  the  draft  the  changes  so  far 
adopted.  The  chairman  appointed  the  following  gentlemen:  Dr.  R.  M. 
Strong,  Chicago,  chairman;  Prof.  L.  Jones  and  the  Eev.  W.  F.  Hen- 
ninger. 

Eesolved,  to  appoint  a  standing  committee  to  make  a  campaign  for 
increasing  the  membership.  The  following  were  elected:  The  chair- 
man. Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens;  Messrs.  J.  H.  Fleming,  of  Toronto,  Ontario; 
0.  M.  Schantz,  of  Chicago,  Illinois. 

Eesolved,  that  the  club  look  upon  as  its  special  field  of  investigation  the 
interior  of  North  America,  from  the  Gulf  to  the  Arctic  Ocean,  including 
tli,e  Great  Lakes. 

Eesolved,  that  regular  rates  for  reprints  of  papers  appearing  in  the 
"Bulletin"  be  secured  and  published. 

Adjournment  followed,  after  which  the  members  inspected  the  exhibits 
of  the  academy,  especially  the  unique  celestial  sphere. 

Members  present  during  first  day:  Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens,  Prof.  Lynds 
Jones,  Eev.  W.  F.  Henninger,  Mr.  E.  W.  Joluis,  of  Kingsley,  la.;  Mr.  F. 
M.  Phelps,  of  Elyria,  0.;  Mr.  Euthven  Deane,  of  Chicago;  Mr.  O.  M. 
Schantz,  Mr.  Geo.  Fordyce,  of  Youngstown,  O. ;  Mrs.  Irene  G.  Wheelock, 
of  Chicago;  Mr.  G.  A.  Abbott,  of  Chicago;  Dr.  E.  M. '  Strong,  of  the 
University  of  Chicago;  Mr.  C.  J.  Hunt,  of  Chicago,  and  the  secretary, 
C.  W.  G.  Eifrig. 


The  Wilson  Ornithological  Club  43 

FRIDAY,  FEB.  6,   1914. 

The  chairman  called  the  meeting  to  onler.  The  secretary  read  the 
minutes  of  the  two  meetings  of  the  day  before,  which  were  approved. 

First  the  nominating  committee,  comjjosed  of  Mr.  Lynds  Jones,  Rev. 
W.  F.  Hcnuinger  and  the  secretary,  reported  and  submitted  its  nomina- 
tions. Eesolved,  that  the  secretary  cast  unanimous  ballot  for  the  follow- 
ing officers:  President,  Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens;  vice-president,  Mr.  G.  L.  For- 
dyce;  secretary,  Mr.  O.  M.  Schantz;  treasurer,  Mr.  P,  B.  Coffin,  3232 
Groveland  Ave.,  Chicago,  111.  Resolved,  that  the  election  of  a  business 
manager  be  postponed. 

The  following  new  members  and  associates  were  elected:  Active,  Dr. 
Joseph  Grinnell,  Berkeley,  Cal.  proposed  by  Prof.  Lynds  Jones;  Mr.  E. 
A.  Cleasby,  Portage,  Wis.,  proposed  by  Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens;  Mr.  F.  M. 
Woodruff,  Chicago,  Mr.  B.  T.  Gault,  Glen  Ellyn,  111.;  Mr.  K.  W.  Kah- 
mann,  Chicago,  Mr.  F'.  A.  Schantz,  Berlin,  Ont.,  proposed  by  the  secretary. 
Associate:  Mr.  Wier  R.  Mills,  Pierson,  la.;  Mr.  Arthur  A.  Osborne, 
Peabody,  Mass. ;  Mr.  E.  W.  Johns  was  promoted  from  associate  to  active 
membership;  Mrs.  I.  G.  Wheelock,  in  addition  to  being  an  active  mem- 
ber, became  a  sustaining  member. 

Resolved,  to  elect  the  following  as  members  of  the  auxiliary  editorial 
committee:  For  Illinois,  O.  M.  Schantz  and  I.  E.  Hess;  Indiana,  R.  C. 
Norris  and  A.  W.  Butler ;  Ohio,  F,  M.  Phelps  and  Dr.  B.  R.  Bales ;  Mich- 
igan, A.  D.  Tinker  and  N.  A.  Eddy;  Wisconsin,  Dr.  R.  M.  Strong  and 
Mrs.  loda  Malin;  Minnesota,  Dr.  T.  S.  Roberts;  Iowa,  Prof.  I.  N. 
Gabrielson  and  Miss  Althea  R.  Sherman ;  North  Dakota,  Adrian  Larson ; 
Pennsylvania,  Frank  L.  Burns  and  W.  E.  Clyde-Todd;  Canada,  P.  A. 
Taverner  and  L.  McI.  Terrill ;  Kansas,  Dr.  W.  I.  Mitchell  and  the  Rev. 
P.  B.  Peabody;  Louisiana,  G.  S.  Guion;  Florida,  O.  E.  Baynard;  Texas, 
Dr.  A.  R.  Shearer. 

Note:  This  is  at  the  same  time  to  serve  as  the  official  notification  to 
the  members  of  this  standing  committee  of  their  election. 

Resolved,  that  this  committee  be  active  also  in  increasing  the  member- 
ship of  the  club,  under  the  standing  membership  committee. 

Eesolved,  that  the  secretary  prepare  resolutions  of  thanks  to  the  officia.ls 
of  the  Academy  of  Sciences.  Resolved,  that  we  tender  our  thanks  to  the 
editor  of  ' '  The  Wilson  Bulletin, ' '  Prof.  Lynds  Jones,  for  his  labors  and 
sacrifices  in  behalf  of  the  club  and  that  he  be  reimbursed  as  soon  as  the 
finances  of  the  club  allow  it. 

Adjournment  followed. 

In  the  afternoon  session  the  following  papers  were  read:  A  critique 
of  the  latest  systematic  work  on  ornithology  of  Dr.  Reichenow,  by  the 
Rev.  W.  F.  Henninger;  The  effect  on  the  birds  in  the  opening  of  the 
park  and  the  building  of  the  reservoirs  in  the  vicinity  of  Youngstomi, 
Ohio,  by  Geo.  L.  Fordyce;  A  six  weeks'  stay  in  the  Big  Cypress  Swamp 
of  Florida,  by  F.  M.  Phelps;   Notes  on  the  nesting  of  the  Herring  Gull, 


44  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

the  Common  Tern  and  the  Ked-breasted  Merganser,  by  Dr.  R.  M.  Strong 
(illustrated)  ;  The  Ottawa  River  in  Canada  as  a  migration  route  and  bird 
boundary,  by  C.  W.  G.  Eifrig. 

Before  adjournment  a  short  business  meeting  was  held  in  which  the 
revised  constitution  was  read  by  Dr.  Strong  for  the  committee.  Resolved, 
to  adopt  this  and  recommend  it  to  the  club  for  ratification. 

EVENING  SESSION. 

This,  as  well  as  the  afternoon  meeting,  was  open  to  the  public.     Two 

illustrated  lectures  were  given,  the  first  by  Prof.  Lynds  Jones  on  the 

winter  habits  of  birds;  the  second,  by  Mr.  G.  A.  Abbott,  on  the  birds  of 

the  Calumet  Region  near  Chicago. 

C.  W.  G.  EiFRii,  Secretary. 

Note :  The  new  secretary 's  address  is  as  follows :  Mr.  O.  M.  Schantz, 
5215  W.  24th  St.,  Cicero,  111.;  the  treasurer's:  Mr.  P.  B.  Coffin,  3232 
Groveland  Ave.,  Chicago,  111. 


Field  Notes 

Unusual  Central  Ohio  Occurrences. 

Professor  J.  S.  Hine,  of  the  Ohio  State  University,  sends  a  note  to 
the  effect  that  a  Black-crowned  Night  Heron  (Nycticorax  naevius)  in  the 
female  plumage  of  the  year,  was  taken  near  Columbus  on  December 
]8,  1913. 

Mr.  Thos.  M.  Earl,  of  Columbus,  reports  the  receipt  of  a  Golden  Eagle 
(Aquila  chrysaetos)  sent  to  him  for  mounting  from  Coshocton  county,  in 
November,  1913. 

Queer  Practice  of  Wood  Thrushes. 

If  more  evidence  is  needed  to  substantiate  the  statement  that  a  wood 
thrush  frequently  attaches  a  large  piece  of  paper  or  cloth  to  its  nest 
and  lets  it  hang  in  conspicuous  display,  as  if  to  mark  the  location  of  the 
nest,  I  will  say  that  a  piece  of  white  tissue  paper,  several  inches  wide 
find  perhaps  half  a  yard  long,  hung  from  the  nest  of  a  wood  thrush  at 
Chautauqua  last  summer. 

The  nest  was  about  eight  feet  high,  in  a  thicket,  and  not  to  exceed  a 
rod  from  the  public  street. 

Birds  are  so  well  treated  at  Chautauqua  that  they  are  not  very  wild, 
and  this  bird  seemed  undisturbed  by  those  who  frequently  stopped  with 
inquisitive  eyes  as  they  passed  by  on  the  street. 


Field  Notes  45 

There  were  several  of  these  birds  on  the  grounds,  and  their  singing  was 
so  much  in  evidence  that  boys  took  it  up  and  could  often  be  heard  whis- 
tling an  imitation.  L.  B.  Cushman. 

North  East,  Pa.,  Dec.  30,  1913. 

Sandpiper  Notes. 

The  fall  migration  of  1913  proved  to  be  rather  unusual  in  regard  to 
the  sandpiper  movements.  Many  species  lingered  later  than  usual  in  this 
locality  and  several  new  species  were  noted.  Immense  mixed  flocks  of 
shore  birds  fed  on  the  mud  flats  around  the  bayous  from  Aug.  20  to 
Sept.  12.  In  these  flocks  the  usual  Pectoral,  Semipalmated,  Least,  and 
Solitary  Sandpipers  and  Lesser  Yellowlegs  were  abundant.  In  addition 
Baird's  Sandpijjers  (Pisoiia  hairdi)  were  present  in  considerable  num- 
bers from  Aug.  22-27,  and  several  specimens  were  taken.  One  Greater 
Yellowlegs  (Totanvs  melanolcucus)  was  noted  Oct.  6.  From  the  12tli  of 
September  the  numbers  decreased  rapidly,  although  a  few  individuals 
remained  much  later.  The  last  records  for  the  more  common  species  are 
as  follows:  Pectoral  Sandpiper  (Pisobia  maculata),  Nov.  12;  White- 
rumped  Sandpiper  {Pisohia  fuscicollis),  Nov.  7;  Least  Sandpiper  (Pisobia 
minutilla),  Oct.  12;  Semipalmated  Sandpiper  (Ereunetes  pusillus),  Oct. 
12;  Yellow-legs  (Totanus  flavipes),  Nov.  1;  Solitary  Sandpiper  (Helo- 
dromus  soUtarius  solifarius),  Oct.  5;  and  Spotted  Sandpiper  (Actitis 
macularia),  Oct.  8. 

On  the  6th  of  October,  after  the  bulk  of  the  shore  birds  had  departed, 
a  flock  of  four  Eed-backed  Sandpipers  {Pelidna  alpina  saJchalina)  were 
noted  feeding  on  the  deserted  mud  flats  and  one  was  taken.  The  birds 
were  tame  and  unsuspicious  and  allowed  a  close  approach.  On  the  10th 
the  ponds  were  visited  again  and  a  flock  of  about  sixty  found  in  the  same 
place.  Four  were  taken  at  this  time.  All  authorities  to  which  I  have 
access  state  that  this  species  is  uncommon  in  the  interior  in  the  fall  and 
it  was  a  surprise  to  me  to  find  them  so  numerous  at  this  time.  This  is 
the  first  time  that  I  have  noted  this  form  in  the  fall.  A  few  lingered  until 
the  25th  of  October,  when  the  last  one  was  seen. 

Ira  N.  Gabrielson,  Marshalltown,  Iowa. 

"The  Guide  to  Nature." 

Many  magazines,  hundreds  of  schools  and  thousands  of  teachers  and 
parents  have  tried  to  instruct  children  in  a  knowledge  of  nature.  Yet  the 
really  natural  child  takes  to  nature  for  enjoyment  like  a  duck  to  water. 

Why  urge  the  duck,  why  compel  it  to  go  into  the  water?  When  we  de- 
stroy spontaneity  and  liberty,  we  prevent  enjoyment  and  all  consequent 
benefit.    "We  love  the  things  that  love  us." 

It  is,  however,  not  nature  nor  even  natural  science  as  a  matter  of  in- 
struction, as  the  adult  understands  it,  that  the  child  wants,  but  the  fun 
of  seeing  things.     Where  is  the  boy  or  girl  that  is  not  pleased  by  the 


46  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

sight  of  an  elephant  or  a  grasshopper?  But  when  the  mammal  or  that 
insect  must  be  studied  as  so  much  nature  or  natural  science,  then  is 
diminished  the  satisfaction  of  the  watching,  and  when  the  watching  is 
made  a  matter  of  study,  of  literature  or  of  science,  it  becomes  still  less 
pleasing  unless  the  observer  is  naturally  studious.  Compulsion  always 
removes  the  zest  and  blunts  the  edge.  We  do  best  the  things  that  we 
best  like  to  do.  This  point  of  view  has  been  strongly  emphasized  in 
Edward  F.  Bigelow's  experience  during  his  fourteen  years'  editorship 
of  the  department  of  ' '  Nature  and  Science "  of  "  St.  Nicholas, ' '  his 
correspondence  with  boys  and  girls  having  probably  been  larger  than 
that  of  any  other  editor.  He  has  severed  his  connection  with  the  ' '  St. 
Nicholas"  magazine  and  will  establish  in  ''The  Guide  to  Nature"  a 
department  entitled  ' '  The  Fun  of  Seeing  Things. ' ' 

Dr.  Bigelow  is  an  amateur  naturalist.  He  revels  in  nature  because  he 
likes  nature.  He  believes  that  young  folks  make  the  best  companions 
when  they  are  free  from  restrictions  imjjosed  by  parents  or  teachers.  He 
enjoys  their  unrestrained  spontaneity.  He  enjoys  their  letters  when  the 
letters  have  not  been  revised  and  made  so  correct  that  they  are  deprived 
of  all  originality  and  heart.  He  wants  young  people  as  they  are,  not  as 
some  one  thinks  they  should  be,  as  he  wants  nature  as  she  is,  unchanged 
by  man 's  meddling.  The  tangled  thicket  is  more  beautiful  and  instruct- 
ive than  the  formally  trimmed  hedge.  The  wild  grass  is  far  more 
beautiful  than  the  closely  shaven  lawn;  a  laughing  brook  in  a  secluded 
ravine  is  far  more  picturesque  than  a  ditch  with  concrete  banks. 

He  will  conduct  the  new  department,  ' '  The  Fun  of  Seeing  Things, ' '  as 
he  would  lead  a  party  of  young  folks  on  a  ramble.  There  will  be  more 
spontaneity  than  restraint,  more  originality  than  formally  trimmed 
rhetoric. 

Boys  and  girls  that  wish  to  share  in  this  real  fun  may  address  Dr. 
Bigelow  at  Arcadia,  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

"The  Guide  to  Nature"  pays  for  contributions  only  in  the  satisfaction 
tliat  comes  to  every  contributor  in  having  his  best  work  well  published 
for  the  benefit  of  other  workers.  There  can  be  no  better  remuneration. 
Therefore  your  best  work  in  this  great  "labor  of  love"  is  solicited. 

You  are  invited  to  share  in  the  liberal  pay  received  by  the  editor  and 
the  members  of  the  family  who  assist  him,  and  that  is  the  joy  of  work- 
ing faithfully  in  a  cause  than  which  there  is  none  better  on  earth.  This 
is  the  pay  that  the  editor  has.  Your  observations  described  in  a  plain  and 
simple  way,  will  help  the  magazine  and  encourage  its  readers. 

Every  cent  of  income  from  ' '  The  Guide  to  Nature ' '  and  from  The  Agas- 
siz  Association  is  placed  on  the  "Eeceived"  side  of  the  cash  book.  On 
the  "Paid"  side  are  only  actual  expenses — paper,  printing,  engraving, 
mailing,  etc. 


Publications  Reviewed  47 


Publications  Reviewed 

Current  Items  of  Interest,  prepared  by  Henry  Oldys,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Audubon  Society  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  January  20, 
19]  4,  is  one  of  the  quarterly  series  which  contains  many  items  of  interest 
particularly  relating  to  the  protection  of  birds  against  plumage  traffic. 
We  are  pleased  to  note  from  it  that  the  enactment  of  the  Tariff  Plumage 
Measure  is  bearing  fruit  in  Europe.  The  present  outlook  for  any  co- 
operation from  France  and  Italy,  and  probably  Spain,  is  dark.  But  con- 
tinual agitation  may  finally  result  in  the  world-wide  suppression  of 
traffic  in  plumages  for  purposes  of  personal  adornment.  L.  J. 

There  has  come  into  our  hands  a  ' '  Bird  Study  Note  Book, ' '  prepared 
by  Clara  Cozard  Keezel,  and  for  sale  by  her  at  Garnett,  Kansas,  at  27c 
the  single  copy,  discount  for  quantities.  It  is  designed  for  Intermediate 
and  Grammar  grades.  It  is  6Vi  by  8^/4  inches,  and  ruled  to  meet  the 
needs  which  are  suggested  in  the  preface  and  on  the  last  page.  As  a 
skeleton  for  observation  and  for  making  records  it  should  prove  of  value. 
It  seems  to  the  writer  to  be  better  to  the  Intermediate  than  to  the  Gram- 
mar grades.  Pupils  of  the  Grammar  grades  are  likely  to  want  to  keep 
records  more  elaborately  than  this  little  book  makes  possible.  For  them 
some  loose  sheet  system  would  likely  prove  effective.  L.  J. 

"Descriptions  of  Ten  New  African  Birds  of  the  Genera  Pogonocichla, 
Cossypha,  Bradypterus,  Sylvietta,  Melaniparus,  and  Zosterops. ' '  By  Edgar 
A.  Mearns,  Associate  in  Zoology,  U.  S.  National  Museum.  Smithsonian 
Miscellaneous  Collections,  Volume  61,  Number  20.  (Publication  2251.) 
November  29,  1913.  "Four  of  the  forms  herein  described  are  from  the 
collection  made  by  the  Childs  Frick  African  Expedition,  1911-1912; 
three  are  from  the  collection  made  by  the  Paul  J.  Eainey  Expedition 
1911-1912;  one  is  from  the  Smithsonian  African  Exj^edition,  1909-1910 
collection,  made  under  the  direction  of  Col.  Theodore  Eoosevelt;  and  two 
were  collected  by  Dr.  W.  L.  Abbott  in  1888."  The  new  forms  here  de- 
scribed are  all  sub-species.  L.  J. 

' '  Nature  Study  Review, ' '  the  official  organ  of  the  American  Nature 
Study  Society.  The  January  number,  1914,  contains  a  report,  under  the 
caption  ' '  Some  Students '  Work, ' '  of  two  sets  of  observations  by  Nor- 
mal Students,  in  which  several  birds  are  made  the  major  objects  of 
study.  Both  of  these  reports  show  the  need  of  some  editing.  Nature 
study  ought  to  have  as  one  of  its  requirements  accuracy,  as  far  as  it  is 
possible  to  secure  it.  Here  we  find  the  names  of  the  birds,  some  of 
them,  inexcusably  inaccurately  printed,  because  it  would  be  easy  to  have 
them  right.  In  most  cases  the  "Identification  Characters"  do  not 
identify  at  all.     If  these  are  two  fair  samples  of  Normal  School  Nature 


48  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  86 

study  work  there  is  clearly  room  for  improvement.  It  is  stated  that 
' '  They  are  suggestive  at  least  of  the  sort  of  work  that  is  actually  being 
done  in  preparing  teachers  to  do  nature  work. ' '    Too  bad !  L.  J. 

' '  Descriptions  of  Eight  New  African  Bulbuls. ' '  By  Edgar  A.  Mearns, 
Smithsonian  Miscellaneous  Collections,  Volume  61,  Number  2.5,  February 
16,  1914.  (Publication  2260.)  ' '  Four  of  the  forms  of  African  birds 
here  described  are  from  the  collection  made  by  the  Childs  Fri^k  African 
Expedition,  1911-1912;  three  are  from  the  Smithsonian  African  Expedi- 
tion, 1909-1910  collection,  made  under  the  direction  of  Col.  Theodore 
Roosevelt;  and  one  from  the  Paul  J.  Rainey  Expedition,  1911-1912." 
There  are  seven  sub-species  and  one  species — Andropadus  fricki,  Endoto 
Bulbul.  L.  J. 

' '  Five  Important  Wild  Duck  Foods. "  By  W.  L.  McAtee,  Assistant  Bi- 
ologist. Bulletin  No.  58,  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture.  February  7, 
1914.  These  foods  are  the  Delta  Duck  Potato  (Sagittaria  platyphylla), 
which  is  distributed  over  the  lower  Mississippi  valley;  wapato  (Sagittaria 
latifolia  and  arifolia),  distributed  over  the  most  of  the  United  States 
and  lower  Canada;  chufa  (Cyperus  esculentus),  distributed  over  the 
United  States  except  the  north-west  plains  and  the  mountain  regions  of 
the  west,  as  well  as  south  into  South  America;  wild  millet  (Echinochloa 
crus-galli),  in  widely  separated  regions  of  the  United  States;  banana 
water  lily  (Nymphaea  mexicana),  at  Lake  Surprise,  Texas,  and  all  along 
the  gulf  coast,  but  capable  of  propagation  over  the  whole  United 
States.  L.  J. 

The  Ornithological  Magazines. 

The  ' '  Auk, ' '  January,  1914.  Volume  XXXI,  No.  1.  The  two  articles  of 
particular  interest  in  this  full  number  are  the  first  paper  by  Dr.  R.  M. 
Strong,  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  "On  the  habits  and  behavior 
of  the  Herring  Gull,  Larus  argentatus,"  with  plates  III-X;  and  "Notes 
on  the  Ornithology  of  Clay  and  Palo  Alto  counties,  Iowa,"  by  A.  D. 
Tinker,  with  plates  XI-XII.  In  addition  to  other  articles  of  less 
pretension  and  the  usual  large  complement  of  Field  Notes  and  reviews 
of  literature,  this  number  contains  an  account  of  the  thirty-first  stated 
meeting  of  the  American  Ornithologists'  Union,  which  was  held  in  No- 
vember, 1913,  in  New  York  City,  at  the  American  Museum  of  Natural 
History.  L.  J. 

"Bird-Lore."  January-February,  1914,  Volume  XVI,  No.  1.  The  col- 
ored frontispiece  of  the  Redpolls  and  Purple  Finches,  and  the  Audubon 
colored  plate  of  the  Wood  Thrush  are  prominent  features.  The  Christmas 
Census  covers  twenty-four  pages  of  brevier  type,  and  even  then  we  are 
told  that  a  considerable  number  of  the  lists  submitted  were  excluded  for 
one  reason  or  another.     Tlie  widespread  interest  in  the  study  of  birds 


Publications  Reviewed  49 

could  not  be  better  illustrated  than  by  this  mid-winter  census  taking.  It 
covers  the  whole  country  except  along  the  Mexican  l)order  and  for  a 
short  distance  northward,  where  just  now  one  might  be  excused  from 
ranging  alone  over  the  plains!  The  varied  articles  and  notes  which 
appear  regularly  in  "  Bird-Lore  ' '  make  it  a  valuable  magazine.      L.  J. 

"The  Condor."  January-February,  1914,  Volume  VI,  Number  1. 
Some  truly  astonishing  results  are  portrayed  by  William  Leon  Dawson  in 
the  opening  article  on  "Direct  approach  as  a  method  in  bird  photog- 
raphy." Among  the  other  articles  in  this  number  may  be  mentioned  as 
particularly  worthy  of  mention  that  by  Henry  J.  Bust  on  ' '  Some  notes 
on  the  nesting  of  the  Sharp-shinned  Hawk,"  with  eight  excellent  half- 
tone plates.  Also  Joseph  Grinnell  's  ' '  Second  list  of  the  birds  of  the 
Berkeley  Campus,"  where  97  species  have  been  recorded,  on  the  530 
acres.  Bird  classes  would  hardly  need  to  make  long  trips  to  difficult 
fields  with  such  a  bird  haven  right  at  hand.  L.  J. 


THE 

WILSON  BULLETIN 

No.  87. 
A     QUARTERLY     JOURNAL     OF    ORNITHOLOGY 
VOL.  XXVI  JUNE,  1914.  No.  2 

OLD  SKRIES  VOL.  XXVI.      NEW  SERIES  VOL.   XXI. 


TEN  DAYS'  BIRD  STUDY  IN  A  NEBRASKA  SWAMP. 

An  Account  of  the  Feeding  Habits  of  the  Bitterns  and 
Swamp  Blackbirds. 

By  Ira  N.  Gabrielson. 

On  the  Nebraska  side  of  the  Missouri  River,  just  across 
from  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  lies  Crystal  Lake,  one  of  the  typical 
ox-bow  lakes  formed  by  that  stream.  Between  the  north  end 
of  the  lake  and  the  river  much  of  the  territory  is  low  and 
swampy  and,  in  times  of  flood,  covered  with  water.  Just 
west  of  the  town  of  South  Sioux  City  there  remains  a  large 
swamp  almost  entirely  filled  with  wild  rice,  cat-tails  and 
bulrushes.  Open  water  is  found  in  only  one  or  two  places. 
Along  the  eastern  edge  of  the  swamp  is  a  sparse  growth  of 
willows  and  a  little  further  back  an  occasional  patch  of  wolf- 
berry  and  other  bushes.  On  the  south  is  a  tract  of  timber, 
mostly  of  such  trees  as  box  elder,  willow,  and  cottonwood, 
covering  several  acres.  Scattered  here  and  there  throughout 
the  tract  are  patches  of  tangled  vines  and  shrubs  of  various 
species.  In  this  region  are  found  certain  swamp  loving  birds 
in  abundance. 

In  late  June  and  early  July  of  1913,  Mr,  Howard  Graham 


52  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

and  the  writer  spent  ten  days  studying  the  birds  of  the 
swani]).  We  Avere  nnal)le  to  put  in  the  entire  time  at  the 
work  l)ut  spent  the  greater  part  of  each  day  there.  A  boat 
was  secured,  and  an  umbrella  blind  was  erected  on  it.  The 
l)oat  i)roved  to  be  leaky  and  we  spent  some  time  each  day  in 
bailing.  Of  course  this  interfered  with  the  work  to  some 
extent.  Tlie  worst  trouble  was  with  the  wind,  which  blew  so 
violently  during  each  afternoon  that  we  were  unable  to  see 
anything  from  the  blind.  The  heat  at  times  became  almost 
unbearable  on  account  of  the  excess  moisture  in  the  air. 

We  started  investigations  on  June  26  when  we  explored 
the  eastern  and  southern  sides  of  the  swamp,  but  did  not 
cover  the  northern  or  western  parts  on  account  of  lack  of 
time.  On  all  sides  of  us  we  could  hear  cries  of  young  birds 
and  old.  Black  terns  circled  over  our  heads  screaming  and 
sailing  directly  at  our  faces  only  to  turn  aside  just  before 
reaching  us.  We  found  nests  of  several  species  and  a  number 
of  those  of  the  Yellow-headed  Blackbird,  the  one  we  particu- 
larly wished  to  study.  On  the  twenty-eighth  we  returned  to 
the  swamp,  placed  the  blind  on  the  boat  and  anchored  it 
securely  between  the  nests  of  a  Bittern  and  a  Yellow-headed 
Blackliird.  From  this  time  one  of  us  was  at  the  swamp  most 
of  the  time  until  July  7  when  we  finally  left. 

We  wished  to  study  as  many  of  the  common  nesting  species 
as  possible  and  succeeded  in  getting  more  or  less  data  on  the 
Bittern,  Least  Bittern,  and  Yellow-headed  and  Red-winged 
Blackbirds.  The  cramped  position  necessary  in  the  blind 
compelled  frequent  relief,  and  during  the  periods  of  freedom 
from  the  ]Jind  we  searched  the  swamp  or  timber  for  nests. 
During  the  time  of  the  study  we  noted  the  following  species 
of  birds  in  the  SM'amp  or  in  the  timber  and  buslies  around  the 
edge.  The  list  could  have  been  somewhat  extended  by  a  more 
careful  searcli  of  the  timber,  as  in  past  years  a  number  of 
species  have  been  noted  breeding  which  were  not  noted 
during  the  study.  Almost  all  of  the  species  noted  in  the 
present  report  have  been  found  nesting  there  at  some  time  or 
other  although  not  necessarily  in  the  time  of  the  work.  Their 
presence  is  however  good  indication  that  they  were  nesting 


Bird  STrnv  ix  a  Nebraska  Swa:\ip  53 

again.     Lack  of  time  prevented  a  thorougli  seai'eh  for  nests. 
The  following  list  of  species  was  noted : 

1.  PoflUijmbus  ijodiceps.  T'ieil-liilleil  Grelte.  AVmndaiit  resilient.  Xests 
with  eggs  and  young  of  all  sizes  were  found  during  our  stay.  Often 
while  we  were  in  the  blind  a  family  of  ycfuug  grelies,  ai'i-onipanied  by 
one  of  the  parents,  swam  almost  up  to  the  lioat.  They  st^cnied  to  be 
feeding   on   aquatic   insects   and   vegetable   matter. 

2.  Hydrochelidon  nigra  sHriitame)isis.  Black  Tern.  Present  in  con- 
siderable numbers.  We  found  no  nests,  but  thought  from  tlieir  actions 
they  were  breeding  in  the  north  end  of  the  swami). 

3.  Querquedula  discors.  Blue-winged  Teal.  One  or  two  pairs  nesting. 
We  did  not  find  any  nests  but  saw  one  pair  with  young  while  we  were 
in  the  blind.  We  could  not  count  the  number  of  the  brood,  as  some 
of  them  were  concealed  by  the  weeds. 

4.  Botaurus  Icntiginosiis.     Bittern.     One  nest  found  and  stmlied. 

.5.  Ixobrychus  exilis.  Least  Bittern.  One  pair  nested  and  were 
watched  for  one  day. 

6.  Butorides  virescens  viresceiis.  Green  Heron.  One  noted  almost 
daily  feeding  on  the  small  frogs,  Avhich  abounded  in  great  numliers.  Did 
not  find  anj-  nest,  but  have  note<l  them  in  other  years  nesting  in  the 
willows  along  the  shore. 

7.  Balliis  elegans.     King  Eail.     One  individual  noted  several  times. 

8.  Porzana  carulina.  Sora.  Common.  Noted  every  day,  but  did  not 
find  any  nests. 

9.  Fulica  amcricanu.  Coot.  Almndaut.  A  large  nunilier  of  nests 
found,  and  young  of  all  ages  noted.  It  was  seldom  during  the  day  that 
the  grating  note  of  this  species  could  not  be  heard  or  a  number  of  them 
seen  from  the  blind. 

10.  Oxyechus  vocifenis.  Killdeer.  Not  common.  One  or  two  could 
usually  be  seen  feeding  along  the  east  shore. 

11.  Colinus  virginianus  Virginian  us.  Bob-white.  Occasionally  heard 
calling  from  the  timber  south  of  the  swamp. 

12.  Zenaidura  macroura  caroUnensis.  Mourning  Dove.  Xoted  ilaily 
feeding  along  the  shore  and  found  nesting  in  the  timber  on  July  1. 

13.  Circus  hudsonius.  Marsh  Hawk.  A  nest  found  July  1  in  a  damp 
meadow  southwest  of  the  swamp.  The  four  young  were  almost  full  grown 
and  ran  off  through  the  grass  as  we  approached. 

14.  Otus  asio  asio.    Screech  Owl.    Heard  calling  from  the  tindier. 

15.  Ceryle  alcyon.  Kingfisher.  One  occasionally  flew  across  the  swamp 
to  the  open  water  and  fished  there.  The  species  did  not  nest  about  the 
swamp,  but  came  to  it  from  the  Missouri  Eiver  some  distance  north. 

16.  Dryobates  pubescens  niedianus.  Downy  Woodijeeker.  Noted 
July  1  in  the  edge  of  the  timber,  where  it  was  probably  breeding. 

17.  Melanerpes  erthrocephoUts.  Eed-headed  Woodpecker.  Noted  daily 
along  the  eastern  side  of  the  swamp. 


54  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

18.  Colaptes  auratus  luteus.     Northern  Flicker.     Common. 

19.  Tyrannus  tyrannus.  Kingbird.  One  pair  nested  in  the  willows 
on  the  eastern  shore. 

20.  Myioclianes  virens.    Wood  Pewee.    One  noted  in  the  timber  July  1. 

21.  Cyanocitta  cristata  cristata.    Bine  Jay.    Common  in  the  timber. 

22.  Corvus  hrachyrhynchos  hrachyrhynchos.  Crow.  One  or  two  pairs 
had  evidently  nested  in  the  tall  trees  in  the  timber.  A  few  came  every 
day  and  hunted  frogs  along  the  shore. 

23.  Molothrus  ater  ater.  Cowbird.  Found  feeding  along  the  shore. 
Eggs  found  in  the  nests  of  the  Yellow  Warbler  and  Eed-winged  Black- 
bird. 

24.  XantJwcephalus  xanthocephalus.  Yellow-headed  Blackbird. 
Abundant. 

25.  Agelaius  plweniceus  phoeniceus.  Eed-winged  Blackbird.  A  few 
pairs  were  nesting  along  the  edge  of  the  swamp. 

26.  Sturnella  neglecta.  Western  Meadowlark.  One  individual  noted 
almost  daily  on  the  eastern  side. 

27.  Icterus  galbula.  Baltimore  Oriole.  Noted  on  several  different 
days  along  the  eastern  shore  in  the  willows. 

28.  Quiscalus  quiscula  aeneus.  Bronzed  Grackle.  Appeared  daily  in 
varying  numbers  to  feed  along  the  shore.  Did  not  nest  in  the  imme- 
diate vicinity  of  the  swamp,  but  nests  commonly  in  the  surrounding 
territory. 

29.  Astragnalinus  tristis  tristis.    Goldfinch.    Common. 

30.  Cliondestes  grammacus  grammacus.  Lark  Sparrow.  Two  noted 
on  June  26  as  we  approached  the  swamp. 

31.  Spisella  pusilla  pusilla.  Field  Sparrow.  Breeding  commonly  in 
the  wolfberry  patches. 

32.  Pipilo  erythrophthalmus  erythropMhalmus.  Towhee.  One  male 
seen  June  26  on  the  edge  of  the  timber. 

33.  Zamelodia  ludoviciana.  Eose-breasted  Grosbeak.  Noted  daily 
about  a  large  cottonwood  on  the  east  shore. 

34.  Passerina  cyanea.  Indigo  Bunting.  July  26  a  nest  containing 
three  eggs  was  found  in  one  of  the  wolfberry  bushes. 

35.  Spiza  americana.  Dickcissel.  Nested  commonly  in  the  bushes 
around  the  swamp. 

36.  Hirundo  erythrogastra.  Barn  Swallow.  Numbers  of  this  species 
were  constantly  flying  over  the  water.  They  nested  in  some  abandoned 
buildings  on  the  east  side. 

37.  Vireosylvia  olivacea.  Eed-eyed  Vireo.  Noted  July  1  in  the 
timber. 

38.  Vireosylva  gilva  gilva.  Warbling  vireo.  A  pair  evidently  nested 
in  a  boxelder  in  the  edge  of  the  timber,  as  they  could  be  seen  there 
every  day. 

39.  Dendroica  aestiva  aestiva.     Yellow  Warbler.     Nested  commonly. 


Bird  Study  in  a  Nebraska  Swamp  55 

40.  Geothlypis  trichas  trie-has.     Maryland  Yellow-throat.     Common. 

41.  Bumetella  caroUvensis.  Catbird.  Nests  found  iu  the  timber 
July  1. 

42.  Toxosioma  rufum.  Brown  Thrasher.  Nests  found  in  timber 
July  1. 

43.  Troglodytes  aedon  parTimani.    Western  House  Wren.     Common. 

44.  Telmatodytes  palustris  iliacus.  Prairie  Marsh  Wren.  Nested 
commonly. 

45.  Penthestes  atricapillus  atricapillus.  Chickadee.  Common  in 
timber. 

46.  Planesticus  migratorius  migratorius.  Robin.  Noted  commonly 
feeding  along  the  shore. 

The  original  object  of  this  work  was  to  obtain  data  on  the 
food  of  the  nestling  Yellow-headed  Blackbirds.  The  trip  on 
June  26  revealed  many  nests  in  all  stages,  and  the  work  was 
started  on  the  twenty-eighth.  On  that  date  the  blind  was 
fixed  on  the  boat  and  a  search  made  for  a  nest  with  nestlings 
a  day  or  two  old.  While  engaged  in  this  search  we  came 
upon  one  containing  young  of  about  four  to  six  days  old. 
This  nest  was  located  about  eight  or  ten  feet  from  a  Bittern's 
nest  containing  five  young.  "We  decided  to  place  the  blind 
between  the  two  and  attempt  a  "double  barreled"  study. 
A  Least  Bittern's  nest  containing  five  eggs  was  marked  for 
future  study  and  the  work  was  completed  with  a  short  study 
of  the  Red-winged  Blackbird.  The  data  obtained  from  the 
study  of  these  four  species  will  be  presented  in  the  following 
paragraphs. 

YELLOW-HEADED  BLACKBIRD.       (XanthocepJialuS 

xanthocephalus) . 
The  Yellow-headed  Blackbirds  were  by  far  the  most 
abundant  breeding  form  of  the  swamp.  In  the  part  examined 
there  were  probably  several  hundred  nests;  in  the  remaining 
half  of  the  sw^amp  the  number  is  only  a  matter  of  conjecture. 
The  nests  which  we  examined  were  practically  identical  in 
location,  being  built  in  the  wild  rice  growing  some  distance 
from  the  shore.  They  were  woven  in  basket  shape  about 
three  or  more  stems  from  eighteen  inches  to  two  and  one-half 
feet  above  the  water.  The  water  in  the  region  of  the  nests 
was  about  hip  deep  and  they  seemed  to  be  confined  to  a  belt 


56  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

of  this  depth  around  the  part  of  the  swamp  studied.  This 
lay  quite  close  to  the  south  and  east  shores  and  was,  as  far 
as  our  investigations  exteiided,  the  deepest  part.  A  belt  of 
water  of  this  depth  about  one  hundred  yards  Made  lay  in  a 
half  moon  shape  along  these  shores  while  the  center  was  much 
shallower,  being  in  many  places  not  over  eighteen  inches  deep. 

The  period  of  nidification  was  represented  in  the  colony  in 
nearly  all  of  its  stages  from  nests  in  which  the  clutch  was 
not  yet  completed  to  almost  fully  grown  fledglings.  The 
cries  of  the  young  could  be  heard  on  all  sides  but  it  w^as 
difficult  to  distinguish  one  from  his  surroundings  after  he 
was  in  the  weeds.  One  of  the  surprises  of  the  study  was 
that  of  learning  the  extremely  early  age  at  which  the  young 
left  the  nest.  In  the  first  ])rood  studied,  the  young  left 
before  the  end  of  the  first  day's  observations.  At  the  time 
they  were  in  the  pin  feather  stage  of  development  and  very 
few  of  tlie  feathers  had  even  begun  to  show  beyond  the 
sheath.  That  these  nestlings  did  not  leave  any  earlier  on 
account  of  the  blind  was  proved  by  the  finding  of  a  number 
of  others  in  the  same  stage  sitting  on  the  broken  down  reeds 
scattered  through  the  swamp.  It  seemed  to  us  at  first  as  if 
the  obscurity  of  the  reeds  was  much  safer  for  the  young  than 
the  nests,  which  were  at  times  rather  conspicuous,  but  later 
developments  served  to  shake  our  faith  in  this  explanation. 

On  the  morning  of  June  29  at  4 :00  A.  ]\I.  the  blind,  erected 
between  the  Blackbird  and  Bittern  nests,  was  entered  by  Mr. 
Howard  Graham  and  the  writer.  Watch  was  kept  on  both 
nests  and  we  soon  had  proof  that  the  parents  had  not 
deserted  them.  The  female  Yellow-head  fed  one  of  the  nest- 
lings at  4:35,  or  about  thirty  minutes  after  the  blind  was 
entered.  Constant  observations  were  carried  on  until  4:30 
P.  M.,  at  which  time  the  wind  blew  the  reeds  about  so  violently 
that  it  was  impossible  to  see  either  nest  more  than  a  fraction 
of  the  time.  The  action  of  the  wind  also  made  it  difficult  to 
see  out  of  the  opening  in  the  blind  at  all  times,  so  the  work 
was  closed  for  the  day.     This  nest  will  be  called  nest  A. 

July  3  the  blind  was  placed  in  position  at  another  YelloAV- 
head's  nest  containing  three  young.    The  work  was  begun  at 


Bird  Study  in  a  Nebraska  Swamp  57 

7:30  A.M.  on  July  4  and  continued  until  4:30  P.M.,  when 
observations  were  again  stopped  by  the  wind.  At  the  end  of 
the  day  the  blind  was  taken  back  to  the  Bittern's  nest  to 
continue  the  work  there.  This  nest  will  be  referred  to  as 
nest  B. 

In  spite  of  the  comparatively  small  amount  of  data  secured 
in  these  two  short  studies,  several  facts  were  noted.  In  both 
eases  the  female  did  all  the  feeding,  neither  male  approaching 
the  nest.  The  males  were  apparently  in  little  fear  of  the 
blind  as  they  sat  in  the  weeds  only  a  few  feet  from  it  and 
uttered  the  harsh  notes  characteristic  of  the  species.  On 
several  occasions  the  chosen  perch  was  one  of  the  stakes  used 
to  anchor  the  boat.  This  of  course  does  not  prove  that  the 
male  never  feeds  but  it  is  worthy  of  record  that  with  scores 
of  Yellow-heads  of  both  sexes  feeding  and  foraging  about  the 
blind  we  never  saw  a  male  carrying  any  insects  away 
althougli  many  females  were  often  found  to  do  so.  The 
males  were  seen  hunting  but  always  promptly  devoured  the 
insects  caught.  The  total  number  of  feedings  recorded  was 
thirty-eight  for  nest  A  and  twenty-five  for  nest  B.  Table  I 
will  show  the  character  of  the  food  given  to  the  two  broods. 

TABLE  I. 

Nestling  Food  ix  Nests  A  and  B. 

Food.                                                                      Nest  A.  Xest  B.  Total. 

Unidentifieil    *lo  1  16 

Dragon  fly ^  0  4 

Larvae   i  0  4 

Mayfly   27  19  46 

Grasshoppers   0  4  4 

Totals     50  24  74 

The  amount  of  data  here  presented  is  too  small  to  permit 
of  any  conclusions  concerning  the  food  of  the  nestlings  of 
the  species  and  yet  several  important  facts  are  revealed  by 
the  study. 

*An  attempt  to  continue  the  observations  after  the  wind  became  bad 
explains  the  large  number  of  unknowns.  At  nest  B  the  blind  was  closed 
as  soon  as  the  wind  made  it  impossible  to  see  the  nest. 


58  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

It  will  be  noted  that  mayflies  constituted  62.16  per  cent  of 
the  total  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  most  of  the  sixteen 
unidentified  forms  were  also  mayflies  as  the  blowing  about  of 
the  reeds  prevented  our  determining  the  insect  fed.  This 
evidence  tends  to  support  strongly  the  statement  made  in  a 
previous  paper*  that  the  food  of  the  nestlings  is  largely 
determined  by  the  accident  of  nest  location. 

The  surroundings  of  these  nests  presented  no  variety.  For 
a  considerable  distance  about  the  nest,  the  conditions  of  shade, 
moisture,  vegetation,  and  temperature  were  the  same,  and 
the  insect  species  were  of  course  limited  to  those  forms 
favored  by  such  conditions.  As  far  as  we  could  discover, 
mayflies  and  dragon  flies  were  the  only  forms  commonly 
found.  These  were  clinging  to  the  stems  and  leaves  of  the 
aquatic  plants  and  the  blackbirds  secured  them  from  these 
places.  They  seldom  went  far  from  the  nest  in  their  hunting 
and  much  of  the  time  we  could  see  them  climbing  about 
picking  up  insects  until  two  or  three  were  captured,  when 
they  flew  to  their  nests  with  them. 

In  the  sanitation  of  the  nest  the  same  care  was  found  as  in 
other  species,  the  excreta  never  being  allowed  to  touch  the 
nest.  It  was  taken  directly  from  the  young  and  carried  away. 
It  was  rarely  devoured,  being  disposed  of  in  this  manner 
only  once  in  the  two  days.  In  nest  B  the  three  nestlings 
received  about  equal  shares,  being  fed  nine,  eight,  and  seven 
times,  respectively.  The  one  which  received  the  greatest 
number  of  feedings  died  in  the  afternoon  and  was  carried 
away  by  the  female  on  the  last  visit  at  3  :51  P.  M.  In  nest  A 
the  young  left  the  nest  during  the  day  and  of  course  no  com- 
parison between  their  food  is  possible. 

The  method  by  which  the  young  left  the  nest  was  inter- 
esting. At  5:38  A.M.  one  of  the  young  clambered  to  the 
edge  of  the  nest,  seized  one  of  the  supporting  reeds  with  each 
foot  and  climbed  up  them  a  short  distance  above  the  nest, 
advancing  each  foot  alternately.  After  going  about  eighteen 
inches,  the  bending  of  the  stalks  under  his  weight  brought 

*Nest  Life  of  the  Catbird.  Dumetella  caroUnensis.  By  Ira  N. 
Gabrielson.     Wilson  Bui.,  Vol.  XXV,  Dec,  1913, 


Bird  Study  in  a  Nebraska  Swamp  59 

them  in  contact  with  others  onto  which  he  went.  After 
traveling  in  the  tops  for  a  little  way,  he  commenced  to  work 
toward  the  water,  and  reaching  a  broken  reed  rested  a  while. 
In  a  few  moments  he  proceeded  along  this  reed  to  another 
and  was  soon  out  of  sight.  The  second  nestling  left  at 
7  :00  A.  M.  in  the  same  manner,  and  the  third  started  several 
times  but  returned  and  was  still  sitting  on  the  edge  of  the 
nest  when  the  blind  was  closed  for  the  day. 

I  had  one  glimpse  of  some  of  the  dangers  to  which  the 
young  Yellow-heads  are  exposed.  One  of  the  young  from  a 
neighboring  nest  was  sitting  on  a  reed  about  two  inches  above 
the  water  when  the  jaws  of  a  hungry  pickerel  rose  from  the 
water  and  the  nestling  disappeared.  It  was  done  so  quickly 
that  if  I  had  not  been  looking  directly  at  the  bird  it  would 
never  have  attracted  my  attention.  It  is  probable  that  others 
meet  the  same  fate.  Several  times  I  noted  fledglings  that  had 
just  left  the  nest  fall  into  the  water.  They  managed  to 
crawl  out  on  a  convenient  reed  but  some  may  lose  their  lives 
in  this  way. 

RED-WINGED  BLACKBIRD.  (Agelaius  phoeuiceus  phoeniceus). 

During  the  season  of  1913  the  Redwings  were  few  in 
number,  only  four  nests  being  found  in  the  part  of  the 
swamp  examined.  As  a  usual  thing  the  nests  are  placed  in 
the  flags  or  cat-tails,  but  all  of  these  were  in  small  willows 
from  three  to  eight  feet  high,  growing  just  in  the  edge  of 
the  water.  No  others  of  this  usually  abundant  species  were 
noted,  and  apparently  the  four  pair  were  all  that  were  in  the 
southeastern  half  of  the  swamp.  In  all  swamps  where  I  have 
found  both  of  the  marsh  blackbirds  the  same  distribution  has 
been  noted ;  i.  e.,  the  Yellow-heads  occupied  the  body  of  the 
swamp  and  the  Red-wings  the  edges.  As  far  as  my  experi- 
ence goes  the  former  always  builds  over  deep  water.  The 
latter,  however,  is  more  variable,  building  along  the  edge  or 
farther  out  in  the  swamp  indiscriminately  when  the  Yellow- 
head  is  absent,  and  occasionally  nesting  in  fields  quite  remote 
from  any  water. 


60  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

At  noon  on  July  3,  a  small  blind  was  erected  at  a  Red- 
wing's nest  which  contained  four  yonng.  The  nest  was  dis- 
covered Jnly  1  and  held  at  that  time  three  young  and  one  egg. 
At  2  :30  P.  M.  of  the  third,  an  attempt  was  made  to  begin  the 
study  but  the  birds  had  not  yet  become  reconciled  to  the 
presence  of  the  blind  and  would  not  approach  at  all.  At 
7  :30  A.  M.  of  the  fourth,  observations  began  and  were  con- 
tinued until  4:30  P.M.,  when  the  high  wind  began  to  inter- 
fere to  such  an  extent  as  to  make  further  work  unproiitable. 
As  we  approached,  the  male  greeted  us  with  his  "Con-qua- 
ree"  from  the  top  of  the  blind,  and  he  continued  to  use  it 
during  the  day  as  a  perch,  either  hopping  about  the  top  or 
swinging  on  one  of  the  guy  ropes.  The  female  did  all  the 
feeding  throughout  the  period  of  observation,  the  male  con- 
tenting himself  with  watching  the  nest  from  one  of  his 
perches  on  the  blind.  At  the  approach  of  any  person  he  left 
his  perch  and  circled  about  his  head,  keeping  it  up  until  he 
had  passed  some  distance  beyond  the  nest. 

During  the  day  the  young  were  fed  fifty-one  times.  One 
of  the  four  was  dead  at  the  time  the  work  was  started  but 
remained  in  the  nest  until  3:00  P.M.,  when  the  female  seized 
it  and  carried  it  away. 

TABLE  II. 

Food  of  Nestling  Eed-avinged  Blackbirds. 
Food.  Number. 

Unidentified    12 

Wirewoi-ms    H 

Cricket     1 

Beetle 3 

Mayfly   2 

Fly   3 

Green   worms    ^ 

Grasshopper    20 

Moth    3 

Spider    1 

Tomato  worms   ^ 

Measuring  worm    1 

Total    76 


Bird  Study  in  a  Nebraska  Swamp  61 

The  noteworthy  thing  about  these  data  is  the  great  variety 
of  food  used.  Apparently  the  factor  of  nest  location  has 
again  been  the  one  which  determined  the  nestling  food.  The 
conditions  of  shade,  soil,  vegetation,  and  moisture  are  varied. 
The  nest  was  located  at  the  water's  edge,  and  at  this  point 
the  land  sloped  I'apidly  up  from  the  swamp  and  was  covered 
by  a  heavy  growth  of  willows  and  wolfberry  bushes.  There 
were  at  least  four  readily  distinguishable  zones  in  which  the 
conditions  mentioned  varied :  first,  the  water  surface,  filled 
with  flags,  arrowhead  lilies,  and,  further  out,  cat-tails  and 
wild  rice,  furnished  mayflies,  dragon  flies,  with  an  occasional 
grasshopper;  second,  the  shore  line,  a  zone  of  from  three  to 
five  feet  in  width  covered  with  decaying  vegetation  and  bits 
of  sticks,  contained  principally  beetles  and  crickets;  third,  a 
narrow  strip  of  grass  covered  territory  lying  between  the  shore 
and  the  bushes;  and  fourth,  the  bushes.  The  last  two  zones 
contained  great  numbers  of  insects  of  various  species  with 
grasshoppers  the  inost  numerous.  These  two  furnished  the 
greater  part  of  the  insects  fed  and  seemed  to  be  the  favorite 
hunting  ground  of  the  female.  The  result  of  these  varying 
conditions  is  the  use  of  a  variety  of  species  as  food  instead  of 
practically  only  two  or  three  as  the  Yellow-heads  did.  The 
Red-wings  foraged  within  a  comparatively  small  area  about 
the  nest.  The  female  never-  became  quite  reconciled  to  the 
presence  of  the  blind  and  always  came  to  the  nest  in  a  quick 
nervous  way  and,  after  inspecting  it,  fed  hurriedly.  The 
young  did  not  raise  the  posterior  end  of  the  body  in  voiding 
the  excreta  and  the  parent  was  compelled  to  probe  in  the 
nest  for  it.  Always  on  leaving  the  nest  the  female  uttered  a 
call  much  like  that  of  the  cowbird  and  one  that  I  never 
before  had  heard  a  Red-wing  use. 

AMERICAN  BITTERN  (Botuurus  Untiginosus) . 

As  far  as  we  could  discover  tliere  was  only  this  one  pair 
nesting  in  the  swamp.  The  nest,  which  was  discovered  on 
June  28,  contained  five  young  several  days  old.  The  nest 
was  built  in  water  about  three  feet  deep  in  a  heavy  growth 
of  I'ushes.     It  was  simply  a  floating  platform  of  reeds  with 


62  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

no  attempt  to  make  a  nest  depression  in  the  top.  It  was 
loosely  woven  about  several  upright  stems  which  served  to 
anchor  it  in  place.  Leading  away  from  the  nest  were  two 
distinct  paths  which  ended  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet  away. 
The  parent  never  flew  directly  to  the  nest  but  dropped  into 
the  end  of  one  of  these  paths  and  came  stalking  cautiously 
to  it.  In  leaving  she  always  followed  the  other  path  and 
took  wing  from  the  end  of  it.  The  paths  were  marked  by  a 
broken  and  trampled  line  of  vegetation  and  ended  in  a  small 
platform.  Our  boat  was  placed  directly  across  the  path  for 
leaving,  and  we  had  an  opportunity  to  watch  the  building  of 
a  new  one.  On  the  first  visit  noted  she  walked  off  through 
the  wild  rice  to  the  east  of  the  nest,  grasping  the  upright 
stalks  with  her  feet  and  climbing  from  one  to  another.  Her 
weight  broke  numbers  of  them  and  made  the  beginning  of 
the  trail.  After  going  about  twenty-five  feet,  she  commenced 
to  break  other  stalks  down  and  lay  them  in  a  pile.  Some 
were  already  in  the  water  and  she  soon  had  a  platform 
capable  of  sustaining  her  weight.  The  reeds  were  seized  in 
the  beak  and  broken  with  a  quick  sidewise  jerk  of  the  head. 
When  the  platform  was  finished,  she  stepped  upon  it  and 
stood  there  for  a  time  before  she  flew  away. 

During  the  watch  on  the  twenty-ninth  we  saw  her  feed 
only  once  and  then  did  not  get  to  see  the  entire  process  as 
she  entered  quietly  while  we  were  watching  the  blackbirds 
and  had  nearly  finished  feeding  when  we  noticed  her.  We 
were  afraid  the  young  would  suffer  for  food  on  that  day  and 
undertook  to  feed  them.  If  there  was  one  conspicuous  thing 
about  the  life  in  the  swamp,  it  was  the  frogs — little  fellows 
some  of  them  with  the  remains  of  a  tail  still  visible.  The 
shore  from  three  to  five  feet  from  the  water's  edge  was 
simply  carpeted  with  them  and  a  person  walking  along  the 
shore  apparently  sent  almost  the  entire  surface  leaping  into 
the  water.  It  was  an  easy  matter  to  secure  a  number  with 
the  aid  of  a  stick,  and  we  soon  had  between  fifty  and  sixty  in 
a  couple  of  cans.  When  these  had  all  disappeared  down  the 
five  gaping  throats  in  two  feedings,  about  an  hour  apart,  we 
thought  we  understood  the  necessity  for  such  great  numbers 


Bird  Study  in  a  Nebraska  Swamp  63 

of  frogs.  As  Graham  remarked,  "It's  a  good  thing  tliere  is 
such  a  fine  crop  of  frogs  and  only  this  one  Bittern  family 
around.  If  the  frogs  were  any  less  or  the  Bitterns  any  more 
plentiful,   there   would  be  a  famine  in  the  Bitteru  tribe." 

Only  the  female  came  to  the  nest,  although  the  male  was 
often  heard  "pumping"  in  the  surrounding  reeds.  We  noted 
one  fact  in  connection  with  the  Bittern's  hunting  not  noted 
in  any  other  bird  studied,  and  that  was  the  distance  from 
the  nest  of  the  regular  hunting  grounds.  All  other  birds 
studied  forage  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  nest  while 
the  Bittern  went  across  the  end  of  the  swamp  at  least  a  half 
a  mile  from  it.  The  nearest  shore  line  and  the  place  where 
we  obtained  the  frogs  was  not  more  than  a  liundred  yards 
away  and  the  frogs  fairly  swarmed  there.  She  was  never 
noted  feeding  along  this  shore  but  flew  across  the  swamp  to  a 
grass  grown  point  covered  with  about  two  inches  of  water. 
One  day  I  went  around  to  this  point  and  concealed  myself 
in  the  willows  to  watch  while  Mr.  Graham  remained  in  the 
blind.  The  Bittern  soon  came  flying  from  the  direction  of 
the  nest  and  dropped  into  the  grass  a  short  distance  from  me 
and  immediately  became  stationary.  The  frogs,  which  were 
as  thick  here  as  on  the  other  shore,  soon  forgot  her  presence 
and  began  to  swim  about  or  climb  over  the  bogs.  When  one 
came  within  reach,  out  shot  the  long  neck  and  beak  and  seized 
him.  He  was  hammered  against  a  bog  a  few  times  and 
swallowed.  After  securing  a  number  in  this  fashion  she 
stepped  up  onto  a  bog  and  went  to  sleep.  After  a  short  rest 
she  flew  a  little  waj's  down  the  shore  and  went  to  hunting 
again.  After  her  hunt  and  rest  this  time  she  flew  heavily 
across  the  swamp  toward  the  nest.  Her  disinclination  to 
hunt  on  tlie  nearer  shore  probably  arose  from  the  fact  that 
it  was  frequented  by  boys  much  of  the  time  and  not  from 
any  aversion  to  hunting  near  the  nest. 

It  was  not  until  July  1  that  we  secured  a  good  description 
of  the  complete  feeding  process.  The  following  extract  is 
from  the  note  book  used  on  that  occasion:  "At  9:55  A.M. 
I  heard  the  flapping  of  heavy  wings  and  the  female  settled 
down  into  the  rushes  about  twenty  feet  from  the  nest.    She 


64  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

consumed  ten  minutes  in  covering  that  distance,  advancing  a 
few  steps  and  then  remaining  "Motionless  for  a  time.  When 
only  four  or  five  feet  away,  she  stopped  for  five  minutes, 
remaining,  as  far  as  I  could  see,  absolutely  motionless,  and 
then,  apparently  satisfied,  stepped  up  to  the  nest.  She  pro- 
gressed by  grasping  the  upright  stems  of  the  aquatic  plants 
and  when  she  stopped  to  listen  looked  as  though  she  were  on 
stilts.  As  soon  as  she  reached  the  nest,  the  young  commenced 
jumping  at  her  beak,  continuing  this  until  one  succeeded  in 
seizing  it  in  his  beak  at  right  angles  to  the  base.  A  series  of 
indescribable  contortions  followed,  the  head  of  the  female 
being  thrown  jerkily  in  all  directions  and  the  muscles  of  the 
neck  working  convulsively.  Finally  her  head  and  neck  were 
placed  flat  on  the  nest  for  several  seconds  and  then  slowly 
raised  again.  As  it  came  up  the  food  came  slowly  up  the 
throat  into  the  mouth.  As  the  food  passed  along  the  beak, 
the  open  beak  of  the  young  bird  followed  its  course  along 
until  it  slid  into  its  mouth  and  was  quickly  swallowed.  The 
young  one  then  released  his  hold  and  the  parent  stood  with 
the  muscles  of  the  neck  twitching  and  jerking.  The  remaining 
young  kept  jumping  at  the  beak  until  one  secured  a  hold 
on  it,  when  the  process  was  repeated.  By  10:30  all  five  of 
the  brood  had  been  fed.  Each  one  after  receiving  the  food 
staggered  across  the  nest  and  lay  down  with  the  head  and 
neck  flat  on  the  weeds  and  remained  in  this  position  for  some 
time  before  showing  any  signs  of  life  again."  After  the 
feeding  the  parent  walked  away  and  built  the  platform 
described  elsewhere.  She  rested  here  until  11 :15  and  then 
flew  away.  On  the  sixth  of  July  the  young  had  become  well 
feathered  out  although  the  natal  down  was  still  conspicuous 
on  the  head  and  neck.  It  was  impossible  to  do  any  more  work 
with  them  after  this  time  as  they  began  going  out  in  the 
swamp  to  meet  the  parent,  receiving  the  food  there  and 
returning  to  the  nest.  On  July  1  the  nest  was  under  observa- 
tion from  8:00  A.M.  until  4:30  P.M.  and  the  young  were 
fed  three  times  during  that  period,  making  from  five  to  eight 
feedings  the  probable  number  for  the  day.  Each  time  all 
five  young  were  given  a  mass  of  food  about  the  size  of  an 


Bird  Study  in  a  Nebraska  Swamp  65 

English  walnut.  In  its  quick  passage  from  the  parent  to  the 
young  it  was  not  possible  to  determine  much  as  to  its  nature 
except  to  discern  an  occasional  frog's  leg.  When  last  noted 
they  were  still  being  fed  by  regurgitation.  It  would  be  inter- 
esting to  know  how  long  this  method  of  feeding  is  continued 
but  we  were  unable  to  follow  the  fortunes  of  this  Bittern 
family  any  further. 

An  observation  made  in  1910  may  be  of  some  interest  in 
this  connection.  While  a  piece  of  wild  hay  was  being  cut, 
a  nest  of  this  species  was  uncovered  and  four  of  the  five 
young  were  killed  before  the  team  could  be  stopped.  A  small 
patch  of  hay  was  left  standing  about  the  nest  and  the  young 
one  placed  in  it.  At  this  time  he  was  fully  feathered  out 
but  was  unable  to  fly.  The  next  day  the  parent  was  noted 
flying  into  the  patch  of  hay  without  anything  in  her  beak. 
After  she  left  I  walked  over  and  approached  the  young  one, 
who  immediately  started  to  run.  Seeing  that  he  could  not 
escape  he  stopped  and  disgorged  the  contents  of  his  stomach. 
An  examination  showed  one  garter  snake  about  sixteen  inches 
long,  a  meadow  mouse  and  three  cra;yfish,  all  partially 
digested.  This  observation  seemed  to  prove  that  at  this  age 
the  young  were  still  being  fed  by  regurgitation. 

During  the  time  the  nest  was  under  observation,  a  number 
of  interesting  facts  were  noted  in  connection  with  behavior. 
One  thing  which  struck  us  very  forcibly  was  the  apparent 
readiness  of  the  parent  to  abandon  the  young  at  the  approach 
of  any  person.  She  made  no  attempt  to  defend  them  but 
stalked  stealthily  away  at  any  slight  noise  or  movement. 
This  made  it  necessary  to  sit  absolutely  motionless  in  the 
boat  while  she  was  at  the  nest  and  as  she  frequently  remained 
for  an  hour  or  more  it  became  decidedly  uncomfortable.  Any 
slight  movement  would  cause  the  boat  to  tip  and  at  this  she 
was  gone  in  a  flash.  Several  times  she  approached  to  within 
a  few  feet  of  the  nest  and  was  frightened  away  by  some 
slight  motion  of  the  blind.  On  these  occasions  she  generally 
remained  away  for  from  three  to  four  hours.  This  is  not 
always  true  of  the  Bitterns  as  I  have  liad  them  remain  on 
the  nest  and  almost  allow  me  to  touch  tliem  and  have  had 


66  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

them  try  to  frighten  me  away  by  ruffling  up  the  feathers 
and  making  a  funny  hissing  sound. 

The  actions  of  the  young  were  very  interesting  and  were 
in  direct  contrast  in  many  ways  to  all  other  young  birds 
with  which  we  were  familiar.  No  sound  was  ever  made  on 
the  approach  of  the  parent  beyond  a  slight  hissing,  barely 
audible  in  the  blind  four  feet  away.  This  was  very  different 
from  the  young  Yellow-headed  Blackbirds  on  all  sides  of 
them,  who  could  be  heard  almost  constantly  begging  for  food. 
During  the  absence  of  the  parents,  however  prolonged,  no 
outcry  M'as  ever  made  by  the  young  Bitterns  unless  one  of  us 
went  out  of  the  blind  and  tried  to  touch  one  of  them.  When 
we  did  this  they  backed  away  from  us,  uttering  a  curious 
hissing  sound  and  pecking  viciously  at  our  fingers.  It  was 
interesting  to  note  the  change  in  their  actions  after  the  parent 
left  the  nest.  For  perhaps  ten  minutes  they  remained  in  the 
position  assumed  after  feeding,  as  described  above.  At  the 
end  of  that  time  they  commenced  to  raise  their  heads  and 
look  around.  For  the  next  hour  they  sat  contentedly  on  the 
shaded  side  of  the  nest,  occasionally  dipping  the  tip  of  the 
beak  into  the  water  but  never  drinking  anything.  In  the 
next  half  hour  they  began  to  grow  uneasy  and  to  keep  watch 
for  the  parent.  Every  blackbird  that  flew  above  the  nest 
caused  each  head  to  rise  to  its  full  height  and  silently  watch 
his  flight  across  their  horizon.  At  times  they  seized  each 
others'  beaks  in  the  same  manner  as  the  parent's  was  held. 
At  other  times  they  seized  the  reed  stems  crosswise  and  pulled 
vigorously  on  them,  sometimes  working  the  mandibles  as  if 
chewing.  This  continued  until  the  return  of  the  parent, 
when  all  would  assemble  on  one  side  of  the  nest  and  watch 
her  approach  through  the  reeds.  No  sanitary  measures  were 
noted,  and  the  nest  became  a  rather  unpleasant  smelling 
place  before  our  work  was  finished. 

LEAST  BITTERN.    (IxohrycJius  exiUs.) 

The  Least  Bittern  nest,  which  was  located  on  June  26, 
contained  five  eggs.  On  July  4  two  eggs  had  hatched  and 
on  the  sixth  all  but  one.     The  blind  was  put  in  place  on  the 


Bird  Study  in  a  Nebraska  Swamp  67 

evening  of  the  sixth,  and  we  watched  this  nest  most  of  the 
day  on  the  seventh.  In  marked  contrast  to  the  timidity  of 
the  Bittern,  these  birds  were  devoid  of  fear.  Wliile  we 
hauled  the  boat  and  blind  in  place  and  drove  stakes  to  anchor 
it,  the  female  sat  quietly  on  the  nest.  And  when  we  removed 
the  blind,  the  male  gave  an  exhibition  of  equal  fearlessness 
by  sitting  on  the  nest  through  it  all  and  pecking  angrily  at 
our  fingers  when  we  tried  to  touch  him.  On  July  7  at  8  :00 
A.M.  I  entered  the  blind.  The  female  was  on  the  nest  and 
did  not  leave  until  I  stepped  into  the  boat,  causing  the  blind 
to  tip  suddenly  toward  her.  At  this  she  stepped  off  from  the 
nest  and  walked  some  five  or  six  steps.  After  remaining  there 
watching  the  blind  for  about  thirty  minutes  she  returned. 
The  nest  was  a  small  platform  built  in  the  rushes  and  back 
of  it  was  a  mass  of  broken  down  vegetation  which  formed  a 
platform  several  feet  square.  This  the  Bitterns  used  as  a 
landing  place.  The  fifth  egg  had  hatched  and  the  shell  was 
gone  when  I  entered  the  blind,  although  the  nestling  was  not 
yet  dry.  One  or  the  other  of  the  parents  kept  the  nest 
covered  throughout  the  day  and  both  assumed  the  same  posi- 
tion. They  sat  on  the  nest  with  the  wings  spread  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  give  the  body  a  curious  flattened  appearance 
while  the  head  and  neck  were  extended  to  their  full  length 
with  the  beak  pointing  straight  in  the  air.  Occasionally  the 
head  was  lowered  for  an  instant  to  examine  the  young  but 
almost  immediately  was  raised  again.  Every  bird  that  flew 
by  was  watched  and  every  movement  in  the  surrounding 
vegetation  seemed  to  be  noted  by  the  bird  on  the  nest.  This 
position  had  the  advantage  of  elevating  the  eyes  some  distance 
above  the  nest  and  gave  the  bird  a  better  view  of  what  was 
going  on  around. 

I  was  curious  to  see  how  these  newly  hatched  yoiuig  would 
get  their  food ;  to  see  if  they  were  fed  as  the  young  American 
Bitterns  had  been.  At  10  :50  the  bright  colored  little  male 
alighted  on  the  platform  behind  the  nest  and  stood  there 
watching  the  female  who  was  on  the  nest.  From  time  to 
time  he  allowed  the  beak  to  hang  open  and  shook  his  head 
in  a  comical  way.     After  he  had  been  doing  this  for  ten 


68  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

minutes,  the  female  stepped  from  the  nest  and  flew  away. 
The  male  took  her  place  and  stood,  still  shaking  his  head. 
All  of  the  brood,  including  the  one  just  hatched,  were  jump- 
ing at  his  beak.  Finally  one  of  them  succeeded  in  securing  a 
hold  on  it  and  pulled  his  head  down  toward  the  nest.  His 
beak  was  seized  at  right  angles  by  that  of  the  young  as  in  the 
case  of  the  American  Bittern.  Instead  of  the  violent  contor- 
tions which  preceded  the  act  of  regurgitation  in  the  other 
species,  a  few  convulsive  jerks  of  the  throat  and  neck  muscles 
brought  the  food  into  the  mouth,  from  which  it  passed  into 
that  of  the  young  in  the  same  manner  as  before.  The  food 
instead  of  being  in  a  compact  mass  was  more  of  a  liquid 
containing  pieces  of  small  frogs  and  occasionally  whole  ones. 
These  nestlings  had  not  yet  become  proficient  in  their  strange 
manner  of  feeding  and  more  or  less  of  the  food  material  fell 
into  the  nest.  When  this  happened,  the  young  which  were 
not  receiving  food  at  the  time  seized  it  and  swallowed  it. 
When  two  secured  a  hold  on  the  same  frog,  an  exciting  tug 
of  war  followed  until  one  or  the  other  was  victorious.  All 
five  young  were  fed  at  each  visit,  and  it  seemed  to  be  as 
instinctive  for  them  to  jump  at  the  beak  of  the  parent  as  it  is 
for  other  young  birds  to  raise  the  opened  beak. 

During  the  day  the  male  and  female  alternated  in  the  care 
of  the  nest  but  the  brooding  periods  of  the  latter  were  much 
the  longer.  She  seldom  remained  away  any  length  of  time. 
On  the  other  hand  the  male  did  all  the  feeding,  four  times, 
during  the  day.  The  female  evidently  hunted  only  for  her 
own  food  during  her  absences  from  the  nest  while  the  male 
foraged  for  both  the  nestlings  and  himself.  Both  parents  did 
their  hunting  on  an  extensive  mud  flat  about  two  hundred 
yards  from  the  nest. 

No  attempt  was  made  at  sanitation  during  our  brief  study, 
the  excreta  being  allowed  to  drop  on  the  nest  or  fall  into  the 
water  beneath.  The  unconcern  of  the  parents  at  our  presence 
made  them  the  most  interesting  of  all  the  birds  studied  and  it 
was  with  regret  that  we  removed  the  blind  and  closed  the 
work. 

MarshalltOA^Ti,  Iowa. 


Breeding  Birds  of  an  Iowa  Farm 


69 


BREEDING  BIRDS  OF  A  CLAY  COUNTY,  IOWA, 
FARM. 

By  Ira  N.  Gabrielson. 

The  title  of  this  paper  is  not  literally  accurate,  as  the 
territory  included  parts  of  several  farms  as  well  as  the  home 
place.  The  notes  on  which  the  report  is  based  were  made 
during  the  summer  months  in  the  years  1907-1911  inclusive. 
The  land  of  the  farm  and  surrounding  territorj^  is  typical 
prairie  land  lying  in  the  eastern  edge  of  the  county.     It  is 


XEST  A.\L)  EGGS  OF  BLACK  TEKX 

gently  rolling  and  is  characterized  by  innumerable  "kettle 
holes,"  cat-tail  swamps,  ponds,  and  small  lakes.  Much  of  it 
is  still  unbroken  and  retains  a  flora  of  native  grasses  and 
flowers.  The  only  timber  in  the  territory  covered  by  this 
report  consists  of  the  artificial  groves — mostly  willow,  maple, 
box  elder,  and  cottonwood — a  small  apple  orchard  on  the  home 
place,  and  a  fringe  of  low  bushy  willows  along  one  of  the 
ponds.  The  remainder  of  the  land  is  in  native  grasses,  used 
as  hay,  or  pasture,  or  under  cultivation,  usually  in  corn,  oats. 


70 


The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 


or  clover.  There  were,  during  the  years  of  study,  two  ponds 
of  thirty  and  forty  acres  respectively,  and  fifteen  small 
swamps,  ranging  from  one  or  two  square  rods  to  three  acres 
in  size,  scattered  over  the  region  included.  This  and  much 
of  the  surrounding  land  has  been  drained  since  1911,  and  it  is 
only  a  question  of  a  short  time  until  the  remainder  of  the 
swamps  and  ponds  will  disappear.  A  visit  during  August, 
1913,  was  interesting  because  of  the  glimpse  obtained  of  the 


NEST  AND  EGGS  OP  BITTERN 


manner  in  which  bird  life  had  been  affected  by  the  change. 
Only  five  species  of  birds,  Tree  Swallow,  Barn  Swallow, 
Bartramian  Sandpiper,  Killdeer,  and  Meadowlark,  were  noted 
in  an  entire  day  in  the  field  where  in  1910  or  1911  from  forty 
to  fifty  species  could  be  noted  any  August  day.  Of  these  five 
species,  the  last  four  were  resident  and  of  these  only  two, 
the  Meadowlark  and  Barn  Swallow,  were  as  numerous  as 
before. 


Breeding  Birds  of  an  Iowa  Farm 


71 


While  the  list  may  appear  as  incomplete,  the  draining 
of  the  country  makes  it  impossible  to  obtain  any  further  data 
under  the  old  conditions,  and  it  is  deemed  advisable  to  publish 
it  at  this  time  as  an  approximate  list  of  the  nesting  species  of 
the  region.     It  might  be  said  that  the  only  species  noted  in 


NEST  AND  EGGS  OF  LEAST  BITTERN 

the  territory  during  the  breeding  season  which  did  not  nest 
there  was  the  Black-crowned  Night  Heron.  These  birds 
visited  the  ponds  daily  but  nested  in  the  timber  along  the 
Little  Sioux  River  some  ten  miles  away. 

The  species  listed  here  are  sharply  divided  into  two  dis- 
tinct groups ;  viz.,  those  native  to  the  prairie  and  swamp,  and 


72 


The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 


those  which  have  followed  man  into  the  country  and  nest  in 
the  artificial  groves  and  about  the  buildings. 

In  the  first  class  may  be  placed  the  following  twenty-eight 
species  which  in  all  probability  were  in  the  country  in  greater 
or  less  numbers  previous  to  its  settlement :  Pied-billed  Grebe, 
Black  Tern,  Mallard,  Blue-winged  Teal,  Bittern,  Least  Bit- 


NEST  AND   EGGS   OF  KING  RAIL 

tern,  King  Rail,  Sora  Rail,  Florida  Gallinule,  Coot,  Wilson's 
Phalarope,  Bartramian  Sandpiper,  Killdeer,  Prairie  Chicken, 
Marsh  Hawk,  Short-eared  Owl,  Prairie-horned  Lark,  Bobo- 
link, Cowbird,  Yellow-headed  Blackbird,  Red-winged  Black- 
bird, Western  Meadowlark,  Grasshopper  Sparrow,  Lark 
Sparrow,  Dickcissel,  Maryland  Yellow-throat,  Short-billed 
Marsh  Wren,  and  Prairie  Marsh  Wren. 


Breeding  Birds  of  an  Iowa  Farm 


73 


In  the  second  class  are  included  the  following  twenty-one 
species  which  nest  only  in  the  artificial  groves  and  about  the 
buildings :  Bob-white,  Mourning  Dove,  Screech  Owl,  Downy 
Woodpecker,  Red-headed  Woodpecker,  Flicker,  Chimney 
Swift,  Phoebe,  Blue  Jay,  Crow,  Baltimore  Oriole,  Bronzed 


NEST  ani>  i;(;(;s  of  Florida  gallinule 


Crackle,  Goldfinch,  Purple  Martin,  Cliff  Swallow,  Barn 
Swallow,  Yellow  Warbler,  Catbird,  BrowTi  Thrasher,  Western 
House  Wren,  and  Robin, 

Of  the  fifty  on  the  list  only  the  Kingbird  is  doubtful.  This 
species  nests  usually  in  the  groves  and  belongs  probably  to 
the  second  class,  but  I  have  found  them  nesting  in  the  willow 


74 


The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 


growth  along  the  pond,  and  they  may  have  nested  in  situa- 
tions of  that  kind  before  the  groves  were  present.  However 
that  may  be,  it  was,  at  the  time  these  notes  were  made,  one 
of  the  most  characteristic  and  abundant  birds  of  the 
region. 


NEST  AND  EGGS  OP  UPLAND  PLOVER 


After  the  young  left  the  nest,  they  were  to  be  found  along 
the  fences  and  telephone  lines  and  during  August  were  among 
the  most  conspicuous  bird  forms. 

1.  Podilymbus  podiceps.  Pied-billed  Grebe.  Abundant  summer  resi- 
dent and  breeder.   One  or  two  nests  found  every  year  in  each  little  swamp. 

2.  Hydrochelidon    nigra    surinamensis.      Black    Tern.      Breeds    com- 


Breeding  Birds  op  an  Iowa  Farm 


75 


monly  in  small  colonies  in  the  swanijis.  Nest  generally  built  on  a  de- 
serted niuskrat  house.  In  the  spring  and  fall  they  follow  the  plows  in 
great  flocks,  picking  up  the  insects  turned  up.  Picture  was  taken  June 
18,  1910.     The  nest  was,  as  usual,  on  an  old  muskrat  house. 

3.  Anas  platyrhynclws.  Mallard.  A  common  migrant,  but  rather 
rare  breeder.  On  July  24,  1910,  I  saw  a  female  and  nine  partly  grown 
young  in  one  of  the  small  ponds. 

4.  Querquedula  discors.  Blue-winged  Teal.  Common  breeder.  Nests 
generally  found  in  the  long  grass  bordering  the  swamps. 

5.  Botaurus  lentiginosus.  Bittern.  One  nest  containing  five  eggs 
was  discovered  in  a  hay  field  on  the  ground  on  June  15,  1909.     June  I'.i, 


NEST  AND  EGGS  OP   KILLDEEK 


1910,  I  found  another  nest  containing  four  young  within  a  few  feet  of 
the  place  where  the  1909  nest  was  located.     Picture  taken  June  15,  1909. 

6.  Ixobrychus  exilis.  Least  Bittern.  Common  about  the  swamps 
every  year,  but  only  one  nest  was  ever  discovered.  That  was  found 
June  10,  1909.  It  contained  five  eggs  and  was  a  platform  built  in  the 
reeds  over  the  water. 

7.  BaUus  elegans.  King  Rail.  Common  summer  resident  and  breeder. 
Nests  usually  built  in  the  thick  grass  around  the  small  swamps,  though 
they  were  occasionally  placed  in  the  hay  fields  some  distance  from  the 
water.  A  photo  of  a  nest  of  this  species  containing  14  eggs  was  taken 
June  24,  1907. 


76 


The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 


8.  Porzana  Carolina.  Soia  Rail.  This  species  was  always  present  in 
considerable  numbers  during  June  and  July.  While  I  never  succeeded 
in  finding  a  nest,  there  is  no  question  of  their  nesting  here,  as  I  noted 
several  times  young  birds  scarcely  able  to  fly. 

9.  Gallinula  galeata.  Florida  Gallinule.  Three  nests  of  this  species 
were  found:  two  in  1909  on  June  10,  and  one  on  June  18,  1910.  They 
seemed  to  be  quite  common  throughout  the  region. 

10.  Fulica  americana.  Coot.  Abundant  breeder  in  the  ponds  and 
cat-tail  swamps. 

11.  Steganopus  tricolor.  Wilson's  Phalarope.  I  have  no  definite 
breeding  record  for  this  species,  but  a  pair  remained  all  through  June 


NEST  AND   EGGS   OF  KINGBIKD 


and  July,  1910.  A  certain  small  muddy  point  projecting  out  in  one 
of  the  small  ponds  seemed  to  be  their  particular  haunt.  At  any  ap- 
proach to  this  place  both  male  and  female  would  appear  and  circle 
about  the  intruder.  I  thought  they  had  a  nest  at  that  point,  but 
although  I  searched  carefully  I  never  succeeded  in  finding  it. 

12.  Bartramia  longicauda.  Bartramian  Sandpiper.  Common  summer 
resident.  One  nest  containing  four  eggs  was  discovered  in  a  pasture 
in  a  bunch  of  grass.  The  nest  was  well  concealed  and  was  found  with 
difficulty  after  it  had  been  visited  twice.  The  photo  of  this  nest  was 
taken  June  4,  1909. 

13.  Oxeychus  vociferus.  Killdeer.  Common  breeder.  Nests  generally 
in  the  cornfields.     The  eggs  are  laid  on  the  ground  or  on  a  few  pieces 


Breeding  Birds  of  an  Iowa  Farm 


77 


of  broken  corn  husks,  with  little  attempt  at  nest  building.    Picture  taken 
June  15,  1910. 

14.  Colinus  virginianus  virginianus.  Bob-white.  During  1909  and 
1910  a  pair  of  these  birds  nested  in  the  corner  of  the  orchard. 

15.  Tympanchus  americanus  americanus.  Prairie  Chicken.  One  or 
more  pairs  of  this  species  nested  every  year.  Nest  built  generally  along 
the  fences  in  the  tall  grass  and  weeds. 

16.  Zenaidura  macroura  carolinensis.  Mourning  Dove.  Nests  in  the 
groves. 

17.  Circus  hudsonius.  Marsh  Hawk.  Nested  in  the  damp  wild  hay 
fields.  One  or  two  nests  discovered  and  destroyed  every  year  by  the 
farmers. 


XF:ST    AXI)    KGGS    of    B0I.!0L1XK 

18.  Asio  flamvteus.  Short-eared  Owl.  Nested  in  much  the  same 
localities  as  the  marsh  hawk.  The  young  were  very  tame  and  imsus- 
picious  and  would  allow  a  close  approach  as  they  sat  on  the  hay  stacks. 

19.  Otus  asio  asio.  Screech  Owl.  Nested  every  year  in  one  of  the 
groves. 

20.  Dryobates  pubescens  medianus.  Downy  Woodpecker.  Nested  in 
the  same  grove  with  the  screech  owl. 

21.  Melanerpes  erthroceplialus.  Ked-headed  Woodpecker.  Common 
summer  resident  and  breeder  in  the  groves. 

22.  Colaptes  auralus  luteus.  Northern  Flicker.  Not  as  common  as 
the  preceding.     One  nest  found  July  3,  1909,  containing  six  eggs. 


78 


The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 


23.  Chaetura  pelagica.  Chimney  Swift.  Two  pairs  nested  in  the 
chimney  to  the  farm  house  every  year. 

24.  Tyrdnnus  tyrannus.  Kingbird.  Common  breeder.  After  the 
young  leave  the  nest  they  spend  their  time  on  the  fences  and  telephone 
wires.  At  this  season  they  appear  to  be  the  most  conspicuous  birds  of 
the  region.  Nests  in  groves,  in  the  willows  along  the  swamps,  on  fence 
posts,  and  even  in  machinery  left  in  the  fields.  June  26,  1910,  a  nest 
was  found  in  a  large  maple  tree  along  the  road. 

25.  Sayornis  phoehe.  Phoebe.  One  pair  nested  in  1910  and  1911 
under  a  small  wooden  culvert  in  the  road  in  front  of  the  farm. 


RED-WINGED   BLACKBIRD'S   NEST 

Containing  Two  Cowbird"s  Eggs 


26.  Octocoris  alpestris  praticola.  Prairie  Horned  Lark.  Nests  abun- 
dantly. Two  broods  are  generally  raised.  The  first  nests  are  built  in 
pastures  and  the  second  ones  almost  invariably  in  the  corn  fields  at  the 
base  of  a  hill  of  corn.  I  have  found  as  many  as  ten  in  a  thirty-acre 
field. 

27.  Cyanocitta  cristata  crisfata.  Blue  Jay.  A  common  bird  in  the 
neighboring  towns,  but  not  often  found  in  the  groves.  One  or  two 
nests  have  been  found  in  the  region  covered  by  the  paper.  One  nest 
built  in  an  old  apple  tree  and  one  in  a  maple  grove. 


Breeding  Birds  of  an  Iowa  Farm 


79 


28.  Corvus  brackyrhynchos  hrachyrhyndws.  Crow.  Breeds  quite 
commonly  in  the  larger  groves. 

29.  Doliclwnyx  oryzivorus.  Bobolink.  One  of  the  most  common 
breeders.  Nests  commonly  in  the  hay  fields.  Nests  are  well  concealed  in 
the  long  grass.  One  found  June  12,  1910,  contained  four  bobolink  eggs 
and  two  cowbird  eggs. 

30.  MolothrUrS  ater  ater.  Cowbird.  Altogether  too  common.  The 
eggs  are  most  frequently  placed  in  the  nests  of  redvA'ings  and  bobolinks, 
although  they  are  sometimes  placed  in  the  robin,  yellow  warbler,  and 
meadowlark  nests. 


XEST  AXD  eggs  of  GRASSHOPPER  SPARROW 


31.  XanthocepJialus  xantlwceplialus.  Yellow-headed  Blackbird.  Breeds 
in  colonies  in  the  swamps  over  the  water.  The  nests  are  basket-like 
affairs  woven  in  the  reeds  about  two  feet  from  the  water.  In  1909 
many  nests  were  flooded  and  the  young  drowned  by  high  water. 

32.  Agelaius  phoeniceus  phoeniceus.  Red-winged  Blackbird.  Prob- 
ably the  most  abundant  breeding  bird.  Generally  builds  in  the  cat-tails 
and  flags  in  the  edge  of  the  swamps,  but  sometimes  in  the  meadows  in 
bunch  grass.  On  June  18,  1910,  I  found  twenty-three  nests  in  a  small 
swamp  not  over  two  rods  square.     The  number  of  nests  in  the  territory 


80  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

covered  by  this  report  ran  into  the  hundreds  if  not  thousands.  In  1909 
many  nests  were  destroyed  by  flooding.  A  nest  discovered  June  12, 
1910,  contained  three  redwing  eggs  and  two  cowbirds'  eggs. 

33.  Sturnella  neglecta.  Western  Meadowlark.  Common  breeder. 
Next  to  the  bobolink  the  most  numerous  of  the  ground-nesting  birds. 

34.  Icterus  galhuJa.  Baltimore  Oriole.  One  or  more  pairs  nested  in 
the  groves  each  year.  I  never  succeeded  in  finding  an  occupied  nest,  but 
noted  them  each  year  after  the  fall  of  the  leaves.  I  also  saw  the  young 
after  leaving  the  nest. 

35.  Quiscalus  quiscula  aeneus.     Bronzed  Graekle.     Nests  in  groves. 

36.  Astragalinus  tristis  tristis.  Goldfinch.  One  pair  nested  every  year 
in  the  orchard. 

37.  Ammodramus  savannarum  australis.  Grasshopper  Sparrow.  July 
14,  1910,  I  found  the  only  nest  of  this  species  discovered  in  this  region. 
The  nest  contained  two  eggs  and  was  in  a  hay  field.  It  was  discovered 
in  mowing,  the  old  bird  remaining  on  the  nest  until  the  mower  had 
passed,  and  then  flying  off.  The  nest  was  abandoned,  although  every 
effort  was  made  to  leave  it  undisturbed. 

38.  Chondestes  grammacus  grammacus.  Lark  Sparrow.  Nests  on 
the  dry  hillsides. 

39.  Spiza  americana.  Dickcissel.  Nests  commonly  along  the  fences 
and  in  weeds  in  the  small  grain  fields. 

40.  Progne  subis  suMs.  Purple  Martin.  Common  summer  resident  in 
the  towns.     Several  pairs  built  about  the  farm  building  in  1910. 

41.  Petrochelidon  lunifrons  lunifrons.  Cliff  Swallow.  In  1909  and 
1910  a  colony  of  these  swallows  built  under  the  eaves  of  the  home  build- 
ings. Each  year  there  were  about  half  a  dozen  nests  containing  eggs 
and  several  others  in  which  eggs  were  not  laid. 

42.  Hirundo  erytlirogasira.  Barn  Swallow.  Common  about  the  build- 
ings.    Nests  found  every  year  at  all  the  farms  of  the  region. 

43.  Dendroica  aestiva  aestiva.  Yellow  Warbler.  Several  pair  built 
every  year  in  the  orchard  and  in  bushes  about  the  house. 

44.  Geothlypis  trichas  trichas.  Maryland  Yellowthroat.  One  pair 
built  in  the  orchard  in  1909.  The  nest  containing  three  eggs  was  found 
Jime  12  at  the  foot  of  a  small  tree. 

45.  Dumetella  carolinensis.  Catbird.  Builds  occasionally  in  bushes 
about  farm  houses.  The  parents  and  young  leave  the  groves  as  soon  as 
the  latter  are  able  to  fly. 

46.  Taxostoma  rufum.  Brown  Thrasher.  Found  nesting  in  1910  in 
an  old  brush  pile  in  one  of  the  groves. 

47.  Troglodytes  aedon  parlcaviani.  Western  House  Wren.  Common 
breeder  about  the  farm  houses. 

48.  Cistothorus  stellaris.  Short-billed  Marsh  Wren.  Bather  a  rare 
resident  and  breeder.  One  nest  found  July  28,  1910,  contained  six  eggs. 
The  nest  was  built  close  to  the  ground  in  a  damp  marshy  hay  field. 


Notes  on  the  Spotted  Sandpiper  81 

49.  Tehnatodyies  paltistris  iliacus.    Prairie  Marsh  Wren.    Nests  com- 
monly in  the  reeds  growing  in  the  ends  of  the  larger  ponds. 

50.  Planesticus  migratorius  migratorius.     Eobin.     Common.     Builds 
in  the  groves  and  about  the  houses. 


NOTES  ON  THE  SPOTTED  SANDPIPER. 
By  Arthur  F.  Smith. 

During  the  summer  of  1913  the  writer  was  privileged  to  be 
present  at  the  session  of  the  Iowa  Lakeside  Laboratory,  on 
Lake  Okoboji,  Iowa.  There  are  many  opportunities  here  for 
the  intensive  study  of  the  life  and  behavior  of  birds,  and 
such  work  is  encouraged  by  the  Laboratory. 

In  the  summer  of  1913  two  nests  of  the  Spotted  Sand- 
piper (Actitis  niacidarius)  were  found,  and  at  the  suggestion 
of  Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens  the  writer  followed  their  history  some- 
what carefully.  Both  of  the  nests  were  located  similarly, 
viz.,  near  the  extremity  of  long,  low  sand  spits  projecting 
into  the  lake  for  a  distance  of  two  hundred  yards  or  more. 
In  each  case  the  nest  was  about  seventy-five  feet  from  the 
point.  The  nests,  which  were  located  on  Gull  Point  and  the 
Sand  Spit  in  Miller's  Bay  respectively,  may  now  be  considered 
separately. 

The  nest  on  Gull  Point  was  found  on  Friday,  June  27,  at 
5:30  P.M.  At  this  time  it  contained  four  eggs.  The  ground 
at  this  point  was  sandy,  covered  by  a  sparse  growth  of  fox- 
tail grass  and  a  few  weeds.  The  neck  of  land  here  was  not 
over  thirty  or  forty  feet  in  width,  and  was  quite  low.  The 
nest  was  afforded  very  little  concealment  among  the  short, 
dry  grass ;  but,  nevertheless,  the  nest  itself  is  so  inconspicuous 
that  it  is  seen  with  difficulty  even  at  close  range.  It  was 
noted  that  when  the  parent  bird  was  on  the  nest  her  colors 
harmonized  quite  perfectly  with  the  surrounding  vegetation 
and  ground.  The  eggs  also  presented  little  or  no  contrast 
with  the  environs  of  the  nest. 

Visits  were  made  to  this  nest  on  June  29,  July  1,  5,  7,  8, 
10,  and  13,  and  on  each  occasion  one  of  the  parents  was 


82  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No,  87 

flushed  from  the  nest.  At  each  of  these  visits  the  bird,  when 
flushed,  flew  to  some  distance ;  however,  when  the  eggs  began 
to  hatch  this  distance  became  greatly  shortened. 

About  7  :3(rP.  M.  on  the  14th  of  July  the  first  egg  was  found 
to  be  hatching.  The  shell  was  roughly  broken  across  the  large 
end  for  a  distance  of  about  three-fourths  of  an  inch,  and  from 
one  end  of  this  jagged  opening  there  extended  a  clean  crack 
pretty  nearly  to  the  small  end  of  the  egg. 

Close  examination  now  revealed  that  two  other  eggs  were 
pipped.  In  both  cases  there  was  a  little  round  hole  just  large 
enough  to  permit  the  protrusion  of  the  tip  of  the  chick 's  beak. 
In  all  three  the  beak  of  the  chick  kept  at  work  crumbling 
away  the  edge  of  the  shell  and  membrane. 

The  old  bird  was  now  very  tame,  and  at  no  time  was  she 
more  than  a  few  yards  away.  She  displayed  great  curiosity, 
or  anxiety,  slipping  in  and  out  between  the  grass,  and  eyed 
the  intruder  from  one  side  and  then  the  other. 

I  then  withdrew  to  a  point  about  twenty  feet  away  in  order 
to  allow  her  to  return  to  the  nest.  This  she  did  immediately, 
but  something  must  have  frightened  her  again,  for  she 
jumped  about  four  feet  straight  into  the  air.  I  now  grad- 
ually approached  the  nest,  repeatedly  flushing  the  bird  and 
waiting  for  her  return ;  when  I  got  within  five  feet  of  the 
nest  the  old  bird  left,  only  to  return  at  once,  calling  and 
receiving  answering  chirps  from  the  partly  hatched  young. 
Finally,  I  got  within  three  feet  of  the  nest;  the  old  bird 
simply  stood  up  on  the  piece  of  bark  by  the  nest,  looked 
interested,  and  returned  to  the  nest. 

The  old  bird  covered  the  nest  by  spreading  the  wings 
slightly,  and  fluffing  the  breast  feathers. 

As  I  crept  a  little  closer  the  old  bird  flushed,  and  I  saw 
that  the  first  young  bird  had  emerged  from  the  shell.  At 
8  :30  P.M.  I  left.  The  nest  contained  at  this  time  one  chick, 
two  pipped  eggs,  one  entire,  and  one  empty  shell. 

July  15.  When  I  returned  to  the  nest  at  4:30  A.M.  the 
old  bird  was  on  the  nest,  but  flushed  at  my  approach.  The 
nest  now  contained  four  young  birds  and  three  empty  shells. 
Evidently  one  shell  had  been  disposed  of,  and  probably  the 


Notes  on  the  Spotted  Sandpiper  83 

night  before.  One  of  the  chicks  left  the  nest  with  vigorous 
chirps,  and  joined  the  mother  near  by.  One  other  chick, 
though  not  yet  dry,  was  endeavoring  also  to  leave  the  nest. 

As  I  lay  within  two  and  a  half  feet  of  the  nest,  the  old  bird 
came  and  pecked  at  an  egg  shell,  and  then  sat  down.  Two  of 
the  chicks  climbed  onto  the  mother's  back. 

I  was  able  to  distinguish  two  calls  of  the  adult  birds.  One 
might  be  called  the  alarm  note,  which  gives  warning  to  the 
young  of  danger;  it  is  simply  a  repetition  of  a  single  note, 
thus:  "Peet-peet-peet-peet,"  etc.  The  other  might  be  called 
a  song,  for  the  parent  sings  it  as  she  coddles  the  young.  It 
runs  thus :  ' '  Tr-tr-tr  weet,  tr-tr-tr  weet,  tweet,  tweet,  tweet, 
tr-tr-tr." 

One  of  the  first  acts  of  the  old  bird  was  to  pick  up  one  of 
the  half  shells  and  carry  it  to  the  water's  edge,  where  it  was 
dropped.  A  little  later  she  bit  off  some  pieces  from  the  small 
part  of  the  shell  and  swallowed  them.  At  5 :30  A.  M.  she 
carried  oft'  the  second  half  shell  and  dropped  it  at  the  lake 
shore  as  before.  At  6 :00  A.  M.  she  cleaned  out  the  nest, 
eating  a  number  of  small  bits  of  shell,  some  of  which  she 
obtained  by  scatching  in  the  grass;  the  last  large  piece  of 
shell  was  carried  to  the  shore  as  before,  but  this  time  she 
held  it  under  the  water  and  shook  it.  The  shell  was  then 
eaten,  thus  departing  somewhat  from  the  previous  conduct. 

At  6  :10  A.  M.,  when  the  old  bird  returned,  two  of  the  young 
were  about  twenty  feet  away  in  the  grass.  Up  to  this  time  a 
close  watch  had  been  kept  as  to  the  feeding  of  the  young 
birds.  The  parent  was  not  observed  to  bring  any  food  to  the 
nest.  But  now  the  two  little  chicks  which  had  left  the  nest 
were  observed  to  pick  at  the  grass  as  if  in  the  act  of  catching 
insects.  And  with  continued  observation  I  concluded  they 
were  feeding,  all  of  which  the  old  bird  watched  attentively. 
On  one  occasion  a  garter  snake  came  to  the  vicinity  of  the 
nest,  but  was  warded  away  from  the  direction  of  the  young 
birds  by  the  vigorous  wing  action  of  the  parent. 

On  the  17th  the  place  was  again  visited  for  the  pui-pose 
of  photographing  the  young.  Two  were  found  and  photo- 
graphed ;  the  other  two  were  seen  to  run  off  in  the  grass,  but 


84 


The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 


were  not  caught.     The  old  bird  seemed  to  divide  her  atten- 
tion between  these  two  pairs  of  chicks. 

Some  summer  cottagers  living  near  by  said  they  had  been 
in  the  habit  of  feeding  these  sandpipers  (what  I  do  not 
know),  and  they  stated  that  the  chicks  usually  appeared  in 
pairs.     Just  why  the  chicks  should  leave  the  nest  in  pairs 


NEST  AND   EGGS   OP   SPOTTED   SANDPIPER 


I  am  not  at  present  able  to  say,  except  that  a  suggestion  is 
found  in  the  study  of  the  next  nest. 

The  nest  on  the  Sandspit  in  Miller's  Bay  was  found  on 
June  27,  and  contained  four  eggs.  It  was  visited  daily  and 
on  the  evening  of  July  12  the  four  eggs  were  intact.  At 
1 :30  P.  M.  on  the  13th  there  were  two  chicks  and  two  eggs. 
At  3  :20  P.M.  the  third  egg  was  pipped,  with  the  chick's  bill 
protruding.  At  this  time  the  two  chicks  were  running  about 
in  the  grass.    It  was  interesting  to  observe  that  at  this  early 


Notes  on  the  Spotted  Sandpiper 


85 


age,  only  a  few  hours  out  of  the  shell,  the  young  exhibited 
the  peculiar  habit  of  teetering  the  tail,  which  is  characteristic 
of  the  adult,  and  which  gains  for  them  the  common  names, 
"Tip-up,"  and  "Teeter-tail." 

At  5  :00  P.  M.  there  was  no  change  in  the  third  egg,  but  the 
fourth  was  cracked  at  the  large  end.  At  8  :30  P.  M.  the  third 
egg  had  not  changed,  but  the  fourth  egg  presented  a  small 


W9r^ 


'% 


i  'J 


NEST  AND  EGGS  OF  SPOTTED   SANDPIPEK 

hole  about  three-eighths  of  an  inch  from  the  large  end.     At 
9  :30  P.  M.  there  was  no  further  change  in  either  egg. 

At  5  :00  0  'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  14th  the  last  two 
eggs  had  hatched,  and  there  were  three  chicks  in  the  nest, 
together  with  the  two  shells.  These  shells  were  complete 
except  for  a  cap  about  five-eighths  of  an  inch  in  diameter  at 
the  large  end.  The  cap,  which  lay  in  the  nest,  was  very 
cleanly  cut  from  the  rest  of  the  shell. 


86  The  Wilson  Bulletin— No.  87 

At  9 :00  A.  M.  the  nest  was  empty. 

At  some  time  about  the  middle  of  July  some  members  of  the 
Laboratory  brouglit  in  two  of  the  chicks  from  Gull  Point. 
They  should  have  been  returned  to  that  place,  but,  instead, 
were  liberated  on  the  Sandspit.  However,  on  July  24,  five 
of  the  six  young  sandpipers  which  were  now  on  the  Sandspit 
were  banded  by  Dr.  Stephens  and  Dr.  Lynds  Jones.  As  a 
matter  of  interest  and  record  the  numbers  of  the  bands  may 
be  here  given  as  follows :  11522,  11523,  11524,  11525,  11526. 
The  young  birds  were  observed  on  the  spit  as  late  as  July  29. 
It  is  hoped  to  continue  the  study  of  these  birds  during  the 
summer  of  1914. 

The  facts  obtained  in  this  study  may  be  summarized  as 
follows : 

SUMMARY. 

The  incubation  period  would  seem  to  be  over  seventeen  days. 

The  old  birds  dispose  of  the  egg  shells  partly  by  devouring. 

Hatching  seems  to  occur  during  the  night. 

The  chicks  leave  the  nest  within  five  or  six  hours,  but 
probably  not  much  sooner  unless  disturbed. 

It  seems  that  the  young  birds  are  not  fed  by  the  parents 
at  any  time,  but  forage  for  themselves  from  the  beginning. 


THE  EESIDENT  BIRD  LIFE  OF  THE  BIG  CYPRESS 
SWAMP  REGION. 

By  F.  M.  Phelps. 

In  the  spring  of  1913  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  be  in 
Florida  during  the  months  of  March  and  April  and  the  early 
part  of  May.  Of  this  time  the  latter  half  of  March  and 
nearly  all  of  April  were  spent  in  the  Big  Cypress  Swamp 
region  of  Lee  County  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  State, 
and  it  is  relative  to  its  resident  bird  life  that  this  paper  has 
to  deal,  giving  particular  attention  to  the  larger  and  more 
important  species. 


Bird  Life  Big  Cypress  Swamp  Region  87 

For  a  week  before  entering  upon  this  trip  I  visited  at 
Clearwater  with  my  good  friend,  Oscar  E.  Baynard,  going 
over  details  and  arrangements.  I  must  thank  him  largely  for 
such  measure  of  good  fortune  as  came  to  me  later,  for  he 
gave  me  the  benefit  of  the  knowledge  he  had  gained  of  the 
country  during  the  two  previous  winters,  and  also  secured 
for  me  the  services  of  guides  whom  he  had  employed. 

I  arrived  at  Fort  Myers  March  13th,  where  I  met  Mr. 
Rhett  Green,  now  employed  as  warden  by  the  National  Asso- 
ciation of  Audubon  Societies,  who  was  to  conduct  me  to  the 
rookery  under  his  charge.  We  started  out  just  before  noon 
of  the  14th  in  a  light,  single  buggy  and  drove  the  rest  of  the 
day  through  the  open,  sun-lit  pine  woods  without  particular 
incident,  and  camped  that  night  in  a  temperature  that  made 
even  the  lightest  covering  a  burden  and  stirred  the  mos- 
quitoes to  the  highest  pitches  of  fervor. 

By  sun-up  we  were  on  the  way  again.  The  country  was 
now  growing  wilder.  The  dog  started  a  Wild  Turkey  from 
a  clump  of  saw  palmetto  beside  the  trail,  a  Sandhill  Crane 
swung  trumpeting  across  a  near-by  pond.  Twice  we  stopped 
while  I  slipped  on  my  climbing  irons  and  ran  up  to  nests  of 
the  Florida  Red-shouldered  Hawk,  each  time  to  find  two  eggs 
apparently  advanced  in  incubation.  The  ground  was  becom- 
ing low  and  wet  and  cypress  "heads"  more  and  more  fre- 
quent. Toward  noon  we  came  out  upon  the  edge  of  a  big 
open  marsh  stretching  away  four  or  five  miles  to  the  south, 
far  across  which  we  could  see  a  solid  background  of  great 
cypress  trees.  This  was  my  first  view  of  the  Big  Cypress 
Swamp,  which  beginning  here  runs  almost  unbroken  for  sixty 
or  seventy  miles  to  the  south  and  to  the  eastward  until  it 
finally  merges  with  the  Everglades. 

As  we  progressed  slowly  across  the  marsh,  often  hub  deep 
in  water,  singly  and  by  flocks  water  birds  began  rising  on 
every  hand;  Ward  Herons,  Egrets,  White  and  Wood  Ibis, 
Yellow-crowned  Night  Herons,  Little  Blue  and  Louisiana 
Herons,  and  several  species  of  Ducks,  including  three  of  the 
rare  Florida  Duck  (Anas  fulvigula  fulvigula).  On  an  open 
pond  we  also  identified  the  Limpkin  and  Pui*ple  Gallinule. 


88 


The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 


Early  in  the  afternoon  we  arrived  at  Mr.  Green's  camp 
beside  one  of  the  finest  rookeries  to  be  found  in  Florida,  an 
imposing  one  even  in  these  days  of  diminishing  bird  life. 
Here  is  no  doubt  the  largest  nesting  colony  of  Wood  Ibis  in 
the  State,  probably  not  less  than  5,000  pairs  of  birds.  Per- 
haps 300  American  Egrets  were  nesting  here,  and  a  little 
handful,    not   more    than    a    dozen   pairs,    of   the   beautiful 


WHITE   IBIS  AT  NEST 
Photo  by  O.  B.  Baynard 


Roseate  Spoonbill,  which  I  saw  here  for  the  first  time  in 
life,  a  memory  that  still  recurs  to  me.  That  evening  as  we 
stood  watching  the  birds  filing  in  from  the  feeding  grounds 
and  circling  over  the  rookery,  I  caught  a  gleam  of  pink  as 
one  of  the  more  distant  birds  turned  in  the  rays  of  the 
setting  sun,  and  leveling  my  glass  I  watched  my  first  "Pink 
Curlew"  circle  slowly  two  or  three  times  above  the  tree  tops 
and  then  drop  down  to  its  nest. 


Bird  Life  Big  Cypress  Swamp  Region 


89 


Next  morning  as  the  first  light  of  dawn  tinged  the  eastern 
sky  a  pair  of  Sandhill  Cranes  began  whooping  on  a  little 
pond  scarcely  a  quarter  of  a  mile  away,  an  old  Turkey 
Gobbler  struck  up  his  mating  call  down  the  open  glade  that 
lay  between  us  and  the  cypress  swamp,  the  thousands  of 
young  Wood  Ibis  and  other  nestlings  set  up  their  insistent 
clamor  for  food,  which  did  not  hush  nor  diminish  until  the 
sun  was  high  in  the  heavens,  and  then  I  realized  that  here 


nest  and  eggs  of  white  ibis 

Photo  by  O.   E.   Baynard 

was  nature  at  first  hand  and  that  opportunities  awaited  me 
that  do  not  come  to  every  ornithologist. 

I  passed  several  very  pleasant  and  profitable  days  with 
Green,  and  perhaps  a  few  words  in  description  of  this  splen- 
did rookery,  known  as  the  Corkscrew  among  the  plume 
hunters  of  South  Florida,  will  not  be  amiss.  In  form  it  is  a 
great  ellipse  of  cypress  swamp  enclosing  an  open  treeless 
area  some  three  miles  long  and  a  mile  or  more  in  width, 
covered  with  saw  grass  and  other  swamp  grasses.  The 
encircling  band  of  cypress  varies  in  width  from  about  one- 


90  The  Wilson  Bulletin— No.  87 

third  of  a  mile  at  the  narrow  point  on  the  east  to  two  and 
three  miles  on  the  north  and  west,  and  to  the  south  it  stretches 
away  solidly.  Around  this  great  circle  birds  may  be  found 
nesting  at  many  points.  Mr.  Baynard,  who  visited  this 
rookery  in  February,  1912,  before  the  cypress  trees  had  leaved 
out,  gave  it  as  his  opinion  that  there  were  not  less  than 
seven  or  eight  thousand  nests  of  the  "Wood  Ibis  here.  Tree 
after  tree  bore  from  twelve  to  twenty  or  more  nests  of  this 
species,  and  in  one  I  counted  thirty-two.  Years  ago  before 
the  Egrets  and  Spoonbills  had  become  so  sadly  decimated, 
for  they  once  bred  here  in  large  numbers,  it  must  have  been 
a  spectacle  so  imposing  as  to  defy  an  adequate  description. 
The  Egrets,  Wood  Ibis,  and  Spoonbills  all  nest  high  up  in 
the  cypress  trees,  very  few  under  fifty  feet  and  many  seventy- 
five  and  eighty  feet  up.  At  this  season,  the  middle  of  March, 
nearly  all  the  nests  contained  young.  A  few  of  the  Wood 
Ibis  and  Egrets  were  still  incubating  eggs,  but  these  were 
more  than  likely  birds  that  had  been  broken  up  elsewhere. 

Bird  studying  in  a  cypress  swamp  is  not  all  roses,  though. 
It  means  wading  from  start  to  finish,  anywhere  from  knee 
to  waist  deep,  with  a  good  chance  of  hitting  unexpected 
depths  at  any  moment.  The  cypress  trees,  heavily  draped 
with  the  Florida  long  moss,  or  as  it  is  more  commonly  known, 
"Spanish  moss,"  stand  close  together,  vines  cross  and  recross 
in  the  openings,  impenetrable  tangles  of  button-wood  force 
you  to  turn  aside.  Occasionally  one  comes  upon  deep,  open 
pools  and  lagoons  covered  with  lettuce  and  lily  pads,  with 
here  and  there  a  half-grown  alligator  perking  up  his  head. 
There  were  big  ones  in  the  swamp,  too,  although  I  never 
chanced  to  see  one,  but  the  bellows  that  emanated  forth  on  a 
couple  of  hot  nights  never  came  from  anything  less  than 
eleven  or  twelve  foot  'gators. 

Another  interesting  feature,  and  one  that  is  not  likely  to 
slip  your  mind  for  any  great  length  of  time,  is  the  dangerous 
cotton-mouthed  moccasin,  for  he  puts  in  his  appearance  just 
about  often  enough  and  at  just  about  familiar  enough  range 
to  keep  one  on  the  qui  vive.  Wading  waist  deep  you  come 
to  a  nice  log  and  start  to  climb  up  onto  it.    You  look  again. 


Bird  Life  Big  Cypress  Swamp  Region  91 

a  moccasin  is  within  reach  of  your  hand.  If  he  is  a  small 
one,  he  will  probably  slip  off  the  other  side,  but  if  he  happens 
to  be  four  and  a  half  or  five  feet  long  and  eight  or  ten  inches 
in  girth,  he  just  coils  up,  opens  his  white  mouth,  gently 
quivers  his  tail  and  waits.  You  will  have  to  kill  him  or  go 
the  other  way. 

I  visited  this  rookery  a  second  time  the  middle  of  April, 
making  the  trip  across  country  from  Immokalee.  Large 
numbers  of  the  young  birds  had  now  left  the  nests  and  many 
were  accompanying  the  old  ones  to  the  feeding  grounds.  In 
the  morning  the  young  Wood  Ibis  congregated  by  the  hun- 
dreds in  the  cypress  saplings  at  the  edge  of  the  swamp  just 
opposite  the  camp  to  enjoy  the  warmth  of  the  early  svm. 
We  found  one  group  of  Egrets,  about  fifty  pairs,  with  fresh 
nests  and  just  beginning  the  duties  of  incubation.  These 
were  undoubtedly  new  aTrivals,  remnants  of  a  shot-out 
rookery  not  far  aw^ay. 

To  illustrate  some  of  the  uncertainties  of  a  cypress  swamp. 
We  were  three  hours  reaching  this  colony  of  Egrets,  located 
less  than  a  mile  within  the  swamp,  although  we  had  visited 
the  same  place  a  month  before  and  presiunably  knew  exactly 
where  it  was.  The  trouble  arose  from  starting  in  at  a  slightly 
different  point  and  encountering  a  deep  lettuce  covered  lake, 
in  detouring  around  which  we  got  off  our  course.  By  climb- 
ing a  tree  we  got  a  line  on  the  flight  of  the  birds  and  event- 
ually the  croaking  of  the  nestlings  drew  us  to  the  right  spot. 
In  going  out  we  picked  up  our  old  trail  and  were  at  the  edge 
of  the  swamp  in  half  an  hour. 

This  rookery  has  been  under  the  protection  of  the  Audubon 
Society  since  1912.  In  that  year,  through  the  energetic 
efforts  of  Mr.  Baynard,  B.  Rhett  Green  of  Fort  Myers  was 
hired  as  warden  and  assumed  the  duties  of  guarding  it  about 
the  middle  of  the  breeding  season.  Its  future  now  seems 
assured,  and  it  is  perhaps  not  too  much  to  anticipate  that  it 
wdll  eventually  regain  something  of  the  prosperity  of  its 
former  days. 

I  shall  not  go  into  the  details  or  attempt  to  recount  all 
the  various  happenings  of  my  trip,  for  this  might  finally 


92  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

become  burdensome.  During  the  latter  part  of  March  I  made 
an  excursion  southward  from  the  Corkscrew  rookery,  follow- 
ing down  along  the  edge  of  the  Big  Cypress  Swamp  to  a 
point  some  sixty  miles  below  Fort  Myers.  The  first  two  weeks 
of  April,  in  company  with  a  guide  from  Immokalee,  I  crossed 
the  Ocaloacoochee  Slough  and  penetrated  southeasterly  to  the 
Seminole  Indian  reservation  at  the  edge  of  the  Everglades. 
Then  returning  to  Immokalee,  I  made  a  second  trip  to  the 
Corkscrew  rookery  from  that  point. 

A  few  words  in  regard  to  the  general  character  of  the 
country.  The  interior  of  Lee  County  is  pretty  much  a  wilder- 
ness. The  Big  Cypress  Swamp,  beginning  some  thirty  miles 
south  of  Fort  Myers,  covers  most  of  the  central  part  of  the 
county.  To  the  north  and  east  of  the  swamp  it  is  principally 
open  pine  woods,  interspersed  here  and  there  with  hammocks 
of  oak  and  palmetto  and  small  cypress  swamps,  or  "cypress 
heads,"  as  they  are  usually  called.  There  are  several  con- 
siderable prairie  tracts,  particularly  in  the  vicinity  of  Immo- 
kalee. In  the  eastern  part  of  the  county  there  is  another 
large  swamp  area  known  as  the  Ocaloacoochee  Slough.  In 
general  the  country  is  low  and  wet  wifh  many  small  lakes 
and  i^onds,  and  after  heavy  rains  water  stands  everywhere. 

Game  is  fairly  abundant.  I  saw  five  deer  at  one  time 
enjoying  a  noonday  siesta  in  a  small  grove  of  pine  trees,  and 
in  all  I  probably  saw  thirty  during  my  trip.  Wild  Turkey 
are  plentiful  and  in  the  wilder  country  about  the  cypress 
swamps  wild-cat,  bear  and  panther  are  to  be  found. 

Immokalee,  with  a  population  of  fourteen  families,  located 
about  thirty-two  miles  southeast  of  Fort  Myers,  is  the  prin- 
cipal settlement,  although  there  are  a  couple  of  other  smaller 
ones.  Excepting  these  the  only  inhabitants  are  the  Seminole 
Indians  and  a  few  cattlemen,  who  take  advantage  of  the 
excellent  pasture  afforded  in  some  places  to  graze  their  lean, 
half-wild  cattle.  Maps  show  several  forts  such  as  Shackleford 
and  Simon  Drum,  but  these  are  relics  of  the  old  Indian 
wars,  long  since  fallen  into  ruin,  and  their  sites  can  only  be 
determined  with  difficulty. 

The  Seminoles,  who  number  about  four  hundred,  live  on  a 


Bird  Life  Big  Cypress  Swamp  Region  93 

reservation  down  at  the  edge  of  the  Everglades  about  eighty- 
miles  southeast  of  Fort  Myers.  They  are  under  the  control 
of  a  government  agent,  but  do  little  or  no  work,  depending 
largely  on  otter  and  alligator  hunting  to  pick  up  a  few 
dollars.  For  several  years  back  the  alligator  market  has  been 
very  flat,  and  they  find  plume  hunting  the  more  lucrative. 
We  camped  with  an  Indian  one  evening  a  few  miles  south 
of  the  Ocaloacoochee  Slough,  who  informed  me  he  had  shot 
eight  plumes  that  season,  which  he  had  sold  at  Miami  for 
$8.00  apiece,  bringing  him  in  rather  a  tidy  sum.  Incidentally 
I  had  the  pleasure  of  dining  on  palmetto  cabbage  as  pre- 
pared a  la  Seminole,  and  an  excellent  dish  I  found  it. 

The  subject  would  not  be  complete  without  a  word  or  two 
about  insect  pests.  The  mosquitoes  are  without  number.  As 
soon  as  darkness  falls  they  simply  arise  in  swarms.  Sleeping 
without  a  bar,  and  a  cheesecloth  one  at  that,  is  out  of  the 
question.  Even  the  Seminoles  use  them.  The  steady  hum 
of  mosquitoes  hovering  just  outside  your  bar  becomes  merely 
a  part  of  life.  The  horse  flies  of  this  region  are  the  last 
word.  In  April  it  is  necessary  to  wrap  a  horse  in  burlap 
when  used,  and  even  then  they  get  to  them  pretty  hard. 
Around  camp  a  horse  will  stand  right  up  in  a  smudge  all 
day,  and  trust  to  feeding  at  night.  The  cattle  are  forced  to 
bunch  together  and  retire  into  the  cypress  swamps  during 
the  middle  of  the  day.  Even  man  is  not  entirely  exempt. 
A  couple  of  times  when  dining  somewhat  en  dishabille  after 
a  wade  in  the  swamp  we  w^ere  forced  to  hustle  out  our  shoes, 
etc.,  for  protection. 

In  the  following  list  of  resident  species  I  have  aimed  to 
name  only  those  that  I  actually  found  breeding  or  observed 
under  circumstances  which  made  it  seem  fairly  certain  they 
were  doing  so.  The  winter  of  1912  and  1913  was  unusually 
warm  and  the  spring  early,  which  had  its  effect  on  the  nesting 
of  many  of  the  species,  causing  them  to  begin  in  some  cases 
several  weeks  earlier  than  in  ordinary  seasons. 

1.  Aiihinga  anhinga.  Water  Turkey.  Some  four  or  five  hundred 
were  breeding  at  the  Corkscrew  rookery.  On  my  first  trip  into  the 
swamp,  March  16th,  most  of  the  nests  contained  eggs,  but  some  of  the 


94  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

young  had  hatched  at  that  date.  Many  of  the  nests  were  50  and  60 
feet  up  in  the  cypress  trees,  but  others  were  found  in  low  bushes  beside 
lagoons. 

2.  Anas  ftdvigula  fulvigula.  Florida  Duck.  Observed  feeding  on  the 
marshes,  but  no  direct  evidence  of  nesting  obtained. 

3.  Aix  sponsa.  Wood  Duck.  A  common  resident  in  and  about  the 
cypress  swamps.  One  nest  found  April  18th  in  a  Pileated  Woodpecker 's 
hole  about  30  feet  up  in  a  large  pine.  It  contained  nine  eggs  neatly 
covered  with  down.     Birds  not  observed  about  nest. 

4.  Ajaja  ajaja.  Eoseate  Spoonbill.  This  species  is  right  on  the 
danger  mark.  I  doubt  if  there  are  more  than  50  or  60  birds  in  the 
several  rookeries  in  the  interior  of  Lee  County.  There  were  not  over 
ten  or  twelve  pairs  at  Corkscrew,  about  a  similar  number  at  the  principal 
rookery  of  the  Ocaloacooche  Slough,  and  a  few  are  to  be  found  at  the 
other  important  rookeries.     Nesting  usually  begins  in  February. 

5.  Guara  alba.  White  Ibis.  Observed  feeding  in  considerable  num- 
bers on  the  Corkscrew  marsh  during  March.  They  nest  during  April 
and  May,  and  at  Corkscrew  they  use  the  elders  and  button-wood  that 
fringe  the  inner  circle  of  the  swamp. 

6.  Mycteria  americana.  Wood  Ibis.  This  species  forms  the  bulk  of 
the  population  at  each  of  the  principal  rookeries  of  the  Big  Cypress, 
region,  and  its  abundance  can  be  readily  inferred  from  my  remarks  as  to 
the  number  nesting  at  the  Corkscrew  rookery.  Nesting  usually  begins 
in  January  and  by  March  1st  the  young  are  as  a  rule  all  hatched.  The 
number  of  eggs  is  usually  three,  occasionally  four.  This  bird  is  a 
splendid  flier  and  it  is  a  fine  sight  to  watch  them  filing  in  from  the 
feeding  grounds,  floating  high  in  the  air  on  motionless  pinions  like 
great  kites,  for  in  their  power  of  flight  they  are  comparable  to  the 
raptores  rather  than  to  the  heron  tribe. 

7.  Ardea  herodias  wardi.  Ward's  Heron.  Fifty  or  sixty  pairs  were 
nesting  in  the  Corkscrew  rookery,  as  a  rule  in  company  vrith  the  Egrets. 
Their  huge  nests  are  fully  twice  as  large  as  those  of  the  latter.  They 
are  early  breeders,  usually  beginning  family  duties  in  January.  Also 
observed  nesting  in  company  with  Little  Blue  and  Louisiana  Herons  in 
willow  bushes  in  ponds. 

8.  Herodias  egretta.  Egret.  The  Long  White  has  succeeded  in 
maintaining  itself  in  the  face  of  constant  and  relentless  persecution,  for 
here  it  has  the  Seminole  Indian  as  well  as  the  white  plume  hunter  as  an 
enemy.  Annually  in  February  the  birds  gather  at  the  old  accustomed 
rookeries,  build  their  nests  and  perhaps  lay  their  eggs,  and  then  the 
plume  hunter  appears.  Each  is  so  anxious  to  beat  the  other  to  it  that 
they  scarcely  give  the  birds  a  chance  to  get  a  few  sticks  piled  together, 
as  my  guide  put  it.  A  few  birds  are  killed,  not  many,  as  the  birds  are 
wary  until  the  eggs  are  advanced  in  incubation  or  the  young  hatched. 
Then  they  desert  the  rookery  and  try  it  somewhere  else,  with  more  than 
likely  the  same   result.     A  cattleman  told  me  of  coming  onto  a  small 


Bird  Life  Big  Cypress  Swamp  Region  95 

colony  nesting  in  a  little  cypress  swamp  late  in  June,  1912,  every  plume 
shed,  but  incubating  eggs.  There  is  still  a  sufficient  nucleus  of  these 
birds  left  in  the  Big  Cypress  region,  so  that  the  species  will  build  up 
rapidly  if  given  proper  protection. 

9.  Egretta  candidissima  candidissima.  Snowy  Egret.  Now  but  a 
memory  in  this  region.  I  have  asked  hunters  and  the  settlers  at  Immo- 
kalee  about  this  bird  and  the  answer  is  always  the  same :  ' '  About  eight 
or  ten  years  ago  I  saw  one  at  such  and  such  a  place. ' '  This  Egret  is 
still  to  be  found,  however,  in  the  coast  rookeries  of  Lee  County  and  on 
the  Caloosahatchie  Kiver  near  the  Everglades. 

10.  Hydrana^sa  tricolor  mficollis.  Louisiana  Heron.  Abundant.  Ob- 
served nesting  in  company  with  Little  Blue  Herons  In  clumps  of  willows 
in  ponds  during  early  April. 

11.  Florida  caerulea.  Little  Blue  Heron.  Always  associated  with 
the  Louisiana  Heron  and  remarks  about  one  are  equally  applicable  to 
the  other.  Large  numbers  of  immature  birds  in  the  white  plumage 
were  observed  on  the  feeding  grounds. 

12.  Butorides  virescens  virescens.  Green  Heron.  Not  very  common. 
Observed  only  now  and  then  and  not  found  nesting. 

13.  Nycticorax  nyeticorax  naevius.  Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 
Observed  several  times,  and  it  is  no  doubt  a  breeding  species,  although 
I  did  not  find  it  nesting. 

14.  Nyctanassa  violacea.  Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron.  Quite  a 
number  nested  at  the  Corkscrew  rookery  and  we  used  often  to  come 
upon  them  feeding  beside  quiet  pools  and  lagoons. 

15.  Grus  mexicana.  Sandhill  Crane.  Still  to  be  rated  as  a  common 
bird  in  Lee  County.  I  hardly  believe  there  was  a  day  of  my  trip  that 
I  failed  to  see  or  hear  it.  They  were  usually  in  pairs,  though  a  number 
of  times  I  saw  four  or  five  together.  The  nesting  of  this  bird  is  very 
uncertain.  It  may  begin  in  late  February  or  it  may  be  deferred  to 
April  or  May.  Mr.  Green  told  me  of  finding  a  nest  early  in  June,  1912, 
with  fresh  eggs.  I  am  inclined  to  think  the  amount  of  water  in  the 
nesting  ponds  is  an  important  factor.  The  bird  seems  to  require  that 
its  nesting  site  be  surrounded  by  water.  Twice  after  heavy  rains  I 
found  them  scratching  up  nests  in  grassy  ponds  which  they  abandoned 
without  using  when  the  ponds  began  to  dry  up.  Three  occupied  nests 
were  found,  on  April  4th  and  8th,  with  eggs  far  advanced  in  incubation, 
and  on  April  12th  with  fresh  eggs.  In  this  latter  case  the  birds  had 
scratched  up  no  less  than  four  nests  in  a  small  flag  pond  I  could  throw 
a  stone  across.  Why  the  extra  nests,  two  of  which  were  only  about  half 
complete,  is  a  question. 

16.  Aramus  vociferus.  Limpkin.  Observed  twice  in  the  cypress 
swamp  at  Corkscrew,  and  also  feeding  on  a  small  lake  on  the  marsh. 
Presumably  there  was  a  small  nesting  colony  in  the  vicinity. 

17.  lonornis  martinicus.  Purple  Gallinule.  Observed  several  times 
on  small  lakes  feeding  among  the  bonnets. 


96  The  Wilson  Bulletin— No.  87 

18.  Gallinula  galeata.  Florida  Gallinule.  Identified  twice  on  a  small 
lake  on  the  Corkscrew  marsh. 

19.  Colinus  virginianus  floridanus.  Florida  Bob-white.  Abundant 
about  Immokalee  and  through  the  higher  and  more  open  pine  woods. 
Nesting  in  late  March  and  early  April.  I  was  told  of  a  nest  with  13 
eggs  being  found  at  Immokalee  the  last  week  of  March. 

20.  Meleagris  gallopavo  osceola.  Florida  Turkey.  A  common  resi- 
dent throughout  the  interior  of  Lee  County  and  should  remain  so  for 
years  to  come.  I  saw  many,  thanks  largely  to  the  dogs  that  were  nearly 
always  along.  Late  on  the  afternoon  of  April  18th  as  we  were  working 
along  an  open  glade  bordering  a  cypress  swamp  the  dog  began  to  nose 
excitedly  in  the  grass.  Suddenly  up  popped  half  a  dozen  little  brown 
cannon-balls,  quail  I  thought,  but  when  they  alighted  in  some  cypress 
saplings  I  saw  at  once  they  were  young  Turkeys.  The  old  hen,  hard 
pressed,  soon  rose  from  the  grass  and  sailed  away  across  the  tops  of  the 
cypress  trees.  More  youngsters  kept  popping  up  until  there  were  eleven 
sitting  about  in  the  saplings  some  twelve  or  fifteen  feet  up.  Soon  one 
gave  a  peculiar  little  * '  quit, ' '  and  then  to  my  utter  astonishment  flew 
straight  away  over  the  tops  of  the  cypress  trees  after  the  old  hen,  and 
one  by  one  the  rest  followed.  My  guide  pronounced  them  to  be  about 
two  weeks  old  and  that  seemed  to  me  about  correct.  A  few  days  later 
the  dog  ran  onto  another  old  hen  w  ith  young  but  a  few  hours  old,  and  we 
had  some  trouble  in  keeping  them  from  coming  to  harm.  The  early 
sjiring  of  1913  caused  some  of  the  Turkeys  to  begin  nesting  the  forepart 
of  March.  In  ordinary  years  deposition  of  eggs  does  not  begin  much 
before  April  1st. 

21.  Zenaidura  macroura  carolinensis.  Mourning  Dove.  Observed 
occasionally  in  the  pine  woods.     Not  common. 

22.  ChaemepeJia  passerina  terrestris.  Ground  Dove.  Common  about 
Immokalee,  and  seen  occasionally  in  the  pine  woods.  One  nest  found 
April  4th  with  two  fresh  eggs. 

23.  Cathartes  aura  septentrionalis.  Turkey  Vulture.  Present  in  con- 
siderable numbers  during  the  breeding  season,  but  no  evidence  of  nesting 
found,  and  it  may  be  that  it  does  not  so  far  south  in  Florida. 

24.  Catharisia  uruhu.  Black  Vulture.  Abundant.  I  found  no  nests, 
but  saw  them  mating  several  times.  They  are  a  nuisance  hanging  around 
a  camp,  as  it  is  necessary  to  keep  things  pretty  well  covered  to  be  safe. 

25.  Elanoides  forficatus.  Swallow-tailed  Kite.  I  spent  much  time 
looking  for  the  breeding  haunts  of  this  species,  which  is  still  to  be  found 
in  certain  of  the  wilder  parts  of  Florida,  and  was  rewarded  bj'  finding 
it  nesting  at  two  widely  separated  points,  one  far  down  on  the.  edge  of 
the  Big  Cypress  Swamp,  the  other  near  the  Ocaloacooehee  Slough.  It  is 
a  bird  to  be  associated  with  cypress  swamps.  It  loves  the  broad,  open 
glades  that  fringe  them,  and  here  of  a  late  afternoon  you  may  chance 
to  see  them  feeding.  Gracefully  and  tirelessly  they  circle  back  and 
forth,  chattering  as  they  pass  close  to  one  another,  and  perhaps  if  the 


Bird  Life  Big  Cypress  Swamp  Region  97 

mood  is  on  them  they  will  take  a  turn  at  somersaulting  and  otlier  start- 
ling aerial  stunts.  They  show  very  little  fear  of  man  at  such  times, 
for  more  than  once  as  I  have  stood  watching  them  they  would  swing 
unconcernedly  within  30  or  40  feet  of  me.  The  birds  are  to  a  certain 
extent  gregarious,  for  where  you  find  one  pair  there  will  likely  be  two 
or  three  more  nesting  within  a  radius  of  half  a  mile  or  so.  The  Kite 
population  of  the  vicinity  can  easily  be  arrived  at  when  you  start  to 
climb  a  nest.  The  cries  of  its  owners  quickly  attract  the  other  Kites 
within  hearing  distance,  and  they  join  in  the  outcry,  though  at  a  safer 
distance.  At  each  of  the  nests  I  climbed  from  five  to  eight  Kites  were 
circling  above  me  by  the  time  I  had  gotten  well  started. 

It  is  an  exhilarating  experience  to  sit  in  the  top  of  one  of  those  tall 
southern  pines,  with  the  breeze  swaying  j^ou  gently  back  and  forth,  and 
watch  these  matchless  fliers  sweep  and  careen  above  you.  Only  once 
did  I  encounter  a  really  vicious  bird.  Time  and  again  she  swooped 
down  on  me,  once  just  brushing  my  shoulder  with  her  wing.  It  took 
all  my  attention  to  do  the  climbing  and  I  never  knew  just  when  I  was 
to  feel  the  rush  of  her  wings  and  hear  the  sudden  boom  of  their  arrested 
motion  right  at  my  ear.     It  was  just  a  little  nerve  trying. 

Two  different  times  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  watch  the  birds  nest 
building,  and  both  times  the  ceremony  was  much  the  same.  The  female, 
escorted  by  the  male,  carried  the  nesting  material.  With  the  most 
graceful  of  evolutions,  accompanied  by  a  constant  chatter,  very  pleasing 
to  hear,  and  which  reminded  me  much  of  the  love-making  of  a  pair  of 
Barn  Swallows,  they  flew  to  a  point  above  the  nest.  The  female  dropped 
down  for  a  moment,  arranged  the  stick  or  bit  of  moss  in  the  nest,  then 
rejoining  the  male  away  they  went  chattering  as  far  as  one  could  follow 
them. 

The  nests  I  examined  were  made  of  dead  cypress  twigs  and  Spanish 
moss,  and  were  lined  abundantly  with  a  soft,  silky,  green  moss  plucked 
from  dead  cypress  trees.  In  all  I  found  six  nests.  Two  were  in  the 
process  of  construction,  the  other  four  contained  two  eggs  each.  Five 
were  in  pine  trees,  the  sixth  in  a  tall  slim  cypress.  One  was  at  the  com- 
paratively low  elevation  of  55  feet,  the  highest  about  85  feet  up  and 
well  out  on  a  branch  running  off  at  an  angle  of  45  degrees,  the  most 
difficult  climb  of  them  all.  This  last  mentioned  nest  I  collected  together 
with  the  eggs,  first  crawling  out  and  securing  the  eggs,  then  roping  up 
the  limb  and  cutting  it  off  with  a  hand  axe.  Nesting  dates  were  March 
17th,  an  unusually  early  date,  perhaps  a  record,  March  28th,  April  7th 
and  April  21st.  In  the  latter  case  the  eggs  were  half  incubated.  The 
dates  when  observed  building  were  April  6th  and  7th. 

26.  Circus  Imdsonius.  Marsh  Hawk.  Observed  several  times  quarter- 
ing over  marshes  and  ponds  during  April,  and  I  am  inclined  to  think  it 
nests  here. 

27.  Buteo  liorealis  borealis.  Eed-tailed  Hawk.  This  species  is  rare 
in  Lee  County.     One  nest  found  April  5th  about  20  miles  south  of  the 


98  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

Ocaloacoochee  Slough.  It  was  about  75  feet  up  in  a  big  pine.  Unfor- 
tunately a  cattleman,  who  chanced  to  take  dinner  with  us  near  the  spot, 
had  shot  the  female  about  three  weeks  previous.  Her  body  lying  under 
the  tree  was  sufficiently  preserved  to  make  certain  of  the  identity. 

28.  Buteo  lineatus  alleni.  Florida  Eed-shouldered  Hawk.  By  far 
the  most  abundant  of  the  hawks.  Fully  20  nests  were  seen  and  no 
especial  effort  made  to  find  them.  Seven  which  I  examined  had  either 
two  eggs  or  two  young,  not  a  single  one  three.  The  birds  nest  either 
in  pine  or  cypress,  and  where  available  use  large  quantities  of  Spanish 
moss.  Nesting  dates:  March  15th  incubated  eggs,  April  7th  eggs  far 
advanced  in  incubation,  April  3rd  half -grown  young. 

29.  Buteo  hrachyurus.  Short-tailed  Hawk.  Eare.  Found  breeding 
by  Baynard  in  February,  1912. 

30.  Haliocetus  leucocephalus  leucocephalus.  Bald  Eagle.  There  was 
one  large  nest  in  a  pine  standing  at  the  edge  of  the  Corkscrew  marsh. 
As  breeding  begins  in  November,  the  young  had  already  left. 

31.  Falco  sparverius  paulus.  Florida  Sparrow  Hawk.  Moderately 
common  resident  of  the  pine  woods  and  hammocks. 

32.  Polyborus  cheriway.  Audubon's  Caracara.  Nowhere  common. 
It  prefers  the  more  open  country  and  the  palmetto  hammocks,  this  tree 
being  its  favorite  nesting  site.  I  found  a  nest  on  April  5th  about  50 
feet  up  in  a  pine,  containing  two  half-grown  young.  Green  reported 
seeing  two  young  just  out  of  the  nest  at  the  edge  of  a  palmetto  ham- 
mock April  15th. 

33.  Fandion  haliaetus  carolinensis.  Osprey.  There  were  two  occu- 
pied nests  in  the  Corkscrew  cypress  swamp.  One  was  a  huge  affair 
planted  squarely  on  the  top  of  a  limbless  cypress  stub,  60  feet  up.  At 
both  nests  the  birds  were  incubating  eggs  the  third  week  in  March  and 
were  very  noisy  as  long  as  we  remained  in  the  vicinity. 

34.  Strix  varia  alleni,  Florida  Barred  Owl.  Abundant.  Their  nightly 
serenades  were  one  of  the  most  interesting  features  of  camp  life.  On 
March  16th,  while  exploring  a  little  cypress  head,  I  found  a  young  one 
about  15  feet  up  in  a  sapling.  He  could  get  about  the  limbs  and  work 
from  tree  to  tree  too  lively  for  me  and  I  tried  in  vain  to  catch  him. 
During  the  proceedings  the  mother  came  up  close,  ruffling  her  plumage 
and  clicking  her  bill  savagely.  On  the  above  basis  it  would  seem  that 
nesting  begins  early  in  January. 

35.  Otus  asio  floridanus.  Florida  Screech  Owl.  Apparently  not  very 
common.     Heard  two  or  three  times  about  hammocks. 

36.  Bubo  virginianus  virginiamis.  Great  Horned  Owl.  A  rare  resi- 
dent.   Heard  once  down  on  the  edge  of  the  Big  Cypress  Swamp. 

37.  Speotyto  cunicularia  floridana.  Florida  Burrowing  Owl.  This 
interesting  little  Owl  is  nearing  extinction.  On  the  prairie  near  Immok- 
alee  I  could  find  only  four  or  five  pair  nesting  where  formerly  it  was 
abundant.     The  hand  of  the  cattleman  is  against  it.     A  couple  of  bur- 


Bird  Life  Big  Cypress  Swamp  Region  99 

rows  excavated  April  4th  showed  the  birds  just  getting  ready  to   nest. 
One  contained  one  egg. 

38.  Cavipephilus  principalis.  Ivory-billed  Woodpecker.  In  Florida 
this  splendid  Woodpecker  is  now  confined  to  the  wildest  and  remotest 
swamps.  Far  down  in  the  Big  Cyjiress  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  see 
and  hear  it,  the  reward  of  hours  of  laborious  wading.  It  is  readily 
distinguishable  from  the  Pileated  Woodpecker  in  flight  by  the  large 
amount  of  white  on  the  wings.  Its  call  is  quite  different,  too.  There  is 
a  distinct  pause  between  the  notes  and  it  lacks  the  carrying  power  of 
that  of  the  Pileated.  Two  nesting  sites  of  former  years  were  seen,  both 
in  cypress  trees.  They  may  be  identified  with  certainty,  as  the  hole  is 
somewhat  oblong  in  shape,  the  height  being  to  the  width  in  about  the 
ratio  of  three  to  two.  The  birds  also  have  the  peculiar  habit  of  stripping 
the  outer  bark  from  the  trunk  for  a  considerable  distance  below  the 
nest.  * 

39.  Dryobates  iorealis.  Eed-cockaded  Woodpecker.  Locally  dis- 
tributed in  the  higher  pine  woods.  Several  nesting  sites  noted.  These 
are  cut  into  living  pines  with  dead  hearts,  and  the  trunk  for  several  feet 
below  the  nest  is  thickly  smeared  with  pitch. 

40.  Phlwotomus  pileatus  pileatus.  Pileated  Woodpecker.  Common 
and  observed  almost  daily.  Three  nests  were  found,  all  in  dead  pines, 
one  with  three  slightly  incubated  eggs  April  5th,  a  second  on  the  follow- 
ing day  with  three  half-grown  young,  and  the  third  April  18th,  in  which 
the  birds  were  feeding  young.  One  fact  that  I  noted  several  times  is 
that  this  bird  feeds  on  the  ground  after  the  manner  of  the  Flicker. 

41.  Melanerpes  erythrocephalus.  Eed-headed  Woodpecker.  Common, 
but  less  so  than  the  two  following  species.  Beginning  nesting  in 
April. 

42.  Centurus  carolinus.  Eed-bellied  Woodpecker.  Common  and  nest- 
ing in  March.  I  found  one  pair  apjjropriating  a  former  nesting  cavity 
of  the  Eed-cockaded  Woodpecker. 

43.  Colaptes  auratus  auratus.  Flicker.  Common  throughout  the  pine 
woods.     Nests  with  fresh  eggs  April  19th  and  23rd. 

44.  Antrostomus  carolinensis.  Chuck-will's-widow.  Common  in  the 
hammocks,  but  rare  elsewhere.     Nesting  in  April. 

45.  Chordeiles  virginianus  chapmani.  Florida  Nighthawk.  Observed 
during  early  April  near  Immokalee  and  it  probably  nests  there. 

46.  Tyrannus  tyranmis.  Kingbird.  A  common  resident  of  the  pine 
woods.  Saw  my  first  Kingbird  March  21st  and  in  a  day  or  two  they 
were  plentiful.     Observed  a  pair  building  April  19th. 

47.  Myiarclms  crinitus.  Crested  Flycatcher.  Abundant.  The  small 
cypress  heads  are  their  favorite  haunts  and  nearly  every  one  harbors 
a  pair  or  two.  They  were  common  everywhere  when  I  first  entered  the 
woods  March  14th.  Nesting  begins  in  April.  On  the  7th  I  observed  a 
bird  carrying  material  into  a  hole  in  a  small  cypress  tree,  and  on  the 
17th  I  picked  up  part  of  an  eggshell  from  the  ground. 


100  The  Wilson  Bulletin— No.  87 

48.  Cycuwcitia  cristaia  forincoJa.  Florida  Blue  Jay.  A  few  were 
observed  about  liaminocks,  but  not  commonly.     No  nests  found. 

49.  Corvus  brachyrhynclws  pascuus.  norida  Crow.  Abundant  and 
many  nests  seen.     Eggs  far  advanced  in  incubation  March  17th. 

50.  Corvus  ossifragus.  Fish  Crow.  Found  only  in  the  vicinity  of 
rookeries,  particularly  at  Corkscrew,  where  they  do  a  great  deal  of 
damage.  Collected  a  set  of  five  slightly  incubated  eggs  March  28th,  the 
nest  being  in  the  bud  of  a  slim  pine. 

51.  AgeJaius  plweniceus  florid-anus.  Florida  Eed-wing.  Common  on 
the  marshes  and  larger  ponds.     Nesting  in  April. 

52.  Sfuri)eJla  magna  argutula.  Southern  Meadowlark.  Abundant  in 
the  open  pine  woods  and  prairies.  Nesting  dates:  March  25th  four 
fresh  eggs,  Ajiril  4th  three  incubated  eggs. 

53.  Quiscahts  qaiscula  aglaeus.  Florida  Grackle.  We  found  quite 
a  colony  nesting  in  cavities  in  the  cypress  trees  at  Corkscrew  March  20th, 
and  the  latter  part  of  April  I  found  another  group  making  use  of  sim- 
ilar sites  in  a  small  cypress  head. 

54.  Megaquiscalufi  major  major.  Boat-tailed  Grackle.  Observed  nest- 
ing in  several  ponds  in  early  April.  Common  where  it  can  find  suitable 
haunts. 

55.  Ammodramiis  savannarum  floridanus.  Florida.  Grasshopper  Spar- 
row. Bather  common  on  the  prairies.  I  scratched  up  a  lot  of  grass 
looking  for  their  nests  when  flushed  at  close  range,  but  was  no  doubt 
too  early  for  them. 

56.  PipiJo  eryihrophtlialmxis  alleni.  White-eyed  Towhee.  Very  local 
and  not  common.     About  Immokalee  quite  a  few  were  seen. 

57.  Cardinalis  cardinalis  floridanus.  Florida  Cardinal.  Common 
near  Fort  Myers  and  about  Immokalee,  but  almost  entirely  wanting  in 
the  wilder  sections. 

58.  Progne  subis  subis.  Purple  Martin.  In  early  April  half  a  dozen 
pair  were  nesting  in  woodpecker  holes  in  a  couple  of  dead  pines  near 
Immokalee. 

59.  Laiiius  ludovicianus  ludovicianus.  Loggerhead  Shrike.  Observed 
only  in  the  orange  groves  at  Immokalee. 

60.  Vireo  griseus  maynardi.  Key  West  Vireo.  Not  common.  Seen 
only  a  very  few  times.  One  nest  found  April  10th  containing  four  fresh 
eggs. 

61.  Geothlypis  trichas  ignota.  Florida  Yellow-throat.  Noted  fre- 
quently about  the  saw  palmetto  growth  in  the  vicinity  of  Immokalee. 
Apparently  nesting  about  the  middle  of  Ajiril. 

62.  Mimus  polyglottos  polyglottos.  Mockingbird.  Like  the  Cardinal 
the  Mocker  prefers  the  haunts  of  man.  They  were  common  at  Immokalee, 
but  I  don  't  think  I  ever  saw  one  in  the  wilder  country. 

63.  Thryotliorus  ludovicianus  miamensis.  Florida  Wren.  A  common 
resident.  I  saw  a  nest  in  an  old  tin  coffee  can  hanging  on  the  side  of 
a  shed  at   Immokalee  April  4th.     At  Green's  camp  a  pair  built  in  the 


Bird  Life  Big  Cypress  Swamp  Region  101 

jioeket  of  an  old  sweater.  I  also  saw  a  nest  in  a  natural  cavity  of  a 
gnarled  pine  tree  at  the  edge  of  cypress  swamp  20  miles  from  any  human 
habitation. 

64.  Sitta  i)usilla.  Brown-headed  Nuthatch.  Moderately  common  resi- 
dent of  the  pine  woods.  Saw  a  pair  building  March  16th,  and  another 
pair  feeding  young  April  ISth. 

65.  Sialia  sialis  sialis.  Bluebird.  Quite  common  in  the  pine  woods. 
Observed  them  about  nesting  holes  several  times  in  April,  but  examined 
none. 


THE    WILSON    BULLETIN 


A  Quarterly  Magazine  Devoted  to  the  Study  of  Birds. 
Official  Organ  of  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club. 


Edited  by  LYNDS  JONES. 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  WILSON  ORNITHOLOGICAL  CLUB,  AT  CHICAGO,  ILL. 
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$1.25  a  year,  40  cents  a  number.  Subscriptions  should  be  sent  to  P.  B.  Coffin, 
3232  Groveland  Ave.,   Chicago,  111. 


OFFICEES  FOE  THE  CURRENT  YEAR 

President:     Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens,  Morningside,  Sioux  City,  Iowa. 

Vice-president:     Geo.  L.  Fordyce,  Youngstown,  Ohio. 

Secretary:     Orpheus  M.  Schantz,  5215  West  24th  St.,  Cicero,  111. 

Treasurer:     P.  B.  Coffin,  3232  Groveland  Ave.,  Chicago,  111. 

Editor  ' ' The  Wilson  Bulletin";  Lynds  Jones,  Spear  Laboratory,  Ober- 
lin,  Ohio. 

Business  Manager:  Edw,  R.  Ford,  1100  Great  Northern  Building, 
Chicago,  111. 


EDITORIAL 

The  editor's  address  for  the  summer — until  the  middle  of  August — 
will  be  Sandusky,  Ohio,  care  Dr.  C.  B.  Bliss.     Mail  addressed  to  Oberlin 
will  reach  him,  but  will  be  delayed  somewhat  in  reforwarding. 
0 

The  short  time  between  the  two  issues  of  the  Bulletin  and  the  ex- 
amination season  have  conspired  to  prevent  reviews  of  literature  for  this 
number  of  the  Bulletin.   They  will  be  resumed  in  the  September  number. 
0 

Interest  in  studies  of  the  nesting  behavior  of  birds  has  increased  many- 
fold  in  the  last  five  years.  While  July  may  seem  to  be  rather  late  for 
most  birds  to  nest,  experience  has  proven  that  nests  of  many  of  our 
common  birds  may  be  found  even  into  August.  Studies  of  nesting  be- 
havior are  exceedingly  valuable  and  ought  to  be  taken  up  more  generally 
over  the  country  before  we  may  hope  to  get  far  in  our  understanding  of 
the  inner  life  of  the  birds.  The  intimate  study  of  the  Red-winged  Black- 
bird at  Ithaca  by  Mr.  A.  A.  Allen  well  illustrates  what  valuable  results 
may  be  achieved  by  faithful  and  long  continued  studies  of  this  sort,  and 
the  papers  by  Miss  Sherman,  Mr.  Gabrielson  and  others  well  illustrate 
that  valuable  facts  may  be  discovered  by  even  a  one-nest  study.  Let 
everybody  try  at  least  one  nest. 


Field  Notes  103 

FIELD  NOTES 

A  TWO-STORY  YELLOW  WARBLER'S  NEST. 

We  have  found  a  yellow  warbler's  nest  with  a  cowbird's  egg  in  the 
bottom,  over  which  the  warbler  had  built  a  second  floor  on  which  to  lay 
her  own  eggs.  '     E.  A.  Fields. 

Sioux  City,  Iowa. 

PARTICULAR   WRENS. 

A  pair  of  wrens  had  reared  a  brood  in  a  box  on  our  back  porch  and 
were  preparing  to  raise  a  second  brood,  when  the  cover  of  the  box  was 
loosened  by  the  wind  and  was  tied  down  with  a  white  string.  This 
aroused  suspicion  on  the  part  of  Mrs.  Wren,  who  immediately  removed 
the  six  eggs  and  part  of  the  nest.  I  removed  the  rest  of  the  nest,  but 
the  wrens  did  not  use  the  box  again.  What  became  of  the  eggs  I  do  not 
know,  as  there  was  no  trace  of  them  either  in  the  box  or  on  the  porch. 

Sioux  City,  Iowa.  E.  A.  Fields. 

COWBIRDS  MONOPOLIZING  A  RED-EYED  VIREO'S  NEST. 

In  the  woods  bordering  Lake  Okoboji,  Iowa,  in  July,  1912,  some  bird 
lovers  discovered  a  daintily  constructed  red-eyed  vireo's  nest,  covered 
with  a  pure  white,  web-like  substance,  making  it  the  most  beautiful  nest 
we  had  ever  seen.  Evidently  we  were  not  the  only  ones  attracted  to  it, 
as  it  contained  four  cowbird  's  eggs  and  no  vireo  's  eggs.  While  we  ex- 
amined the  nest  the  vireos,  much  disturbed,  sat  on  a  branch  near  by.  We 
removed  the  eggs  and  returned  a  week  later,  hoping  to  find  that  the 
proper  owners  had  used  it,  but  the  nest  was  empty  and  another  vireo's 
nest  was  being  built  near  by,  presumably  by  the  same  birds. 

Sioux  City,  Iowa.  E.  A.  Fields. 

THE  RED  PHALAROPE  IN  IOWA. 
Through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  A.  J.  Anderson  I  was  permitted  to  see  a 
specimen  of  Phalaropus  fulicarius,  which  had  been  shot  on  a  sandbar  in 
the  Missouri  river  below  Sioux  City.  It  was  presented  to  Mr.  Anderson 
on  November  28,  1912,  and  had  been  taken  a  day  or  two  before.  The 
bird  was  in  the  white  winter  plumage.  It  was  mounted  and  is  now  in 
Mr.  Anderson's  collection.  It  seems  that  this  species  has  never  hereto- 
fore been  reported  for  either  Iowa  or  Nebraska.  T.  C.  Stephens. 

FALL  RECORD  OF  THE  GOLDEN  PLOVER. 

On  October  15,  1913,  my  friend,  Mr.  Fred  C.  Smith,  learned  of  large 

flocks  of  strange  birds  along  the  Missouri  river  bottoms  near  the  villages 

of  Owego  and  Holly  Springs.    Word  came  to  the  Sioux  City  sportsmen  of 

the   abundance   of   these   birds,   and   several   went   down.     Mr.   William 


104  The  Wilson  Bulletin— No.  87 

Anderson  shot  several  and  one  of  these  was  taken  to  the  Stag  Cigar 
Store,  and  there  identified  as  a  Gohlen  Plover.  Mr.  Anderson  described 
the  birds  as  having  a  short  bill  and  a  ' '  black  back  speckled  with  greenish 
yellow. ' '  Dr.  B.  H.  Bailey,  with  whom  I  interviewed  Mr.  Anderson,  was 
satisfied  of  the  correctness  of  the  identification. 

A  Dr.  Flageau,  of  Holly  Springs,  reported  that  large  flocks  of  these 
birds,  which  were  locally  called  "Prairie  Pigeons,"  had  been  seen  in  the 
vicinity  for  the  past  ten  days  "feeding  on  the  winter  wheat."  Mr. 
Anderson  thought  they  were  feeding  on  the  crickets  and  grasshoppers 
rather  than  the  wheat. 

A  Mr.  Williams,  of  Owego,  was  also  (pioted  as  having  seen  these 
birds  in  large  numbers  about  the  same  time.  Mr.  Anderson  says  he 
was  able  to  obtain  very  few  birds  because  of  their  shyness.  When  dis- 
turbed they  would  tiy  up  \'evy  high  in  the  air,  circle  around,  and  finally 
fly  away.  T.  C.  Stephens. 

SOME   WINTER  RECORDS   FROM  MARSHALLTOWN,   IOWA. 

During  the  winter  of  1913-1914  several  records  of  unusual  interest  to 
nie  were  made  in  this  locality. 

Red-headed  Woodpecker  {Melanerpe-s  enjtlirocepludus).  In  the  fall 
long  after  the  other  individuals  had  left  three  of  this  species  were  to 
be  seen  about  the  cemetery.  Every  time  I  passed  thru  that  region  I 
expected  to  discover  that  they  were  gone,  but  they  remained  thru  the 
winter.  The  cemetery  contains  large  numbers  of  oaks  of  different  species 
and  the  Red-heads  used  tlie  acorns,  particularly  those  of  the  white  oak, 
for  food.  These  three  birds  were  to  be  seen  at  any  time  either  feeding 
or  fighting  with  the  Blue  Jays.  They  had  one  particular  tree  which 
they  seemed  to  use  as  a  sleeping  place,  and  tliey  allowed  no  Jays  to 
remain  in  that  vicinity. 

Red-bellied  Woodpecker  {Centurus  carolinus).  This  species  was  another 
form  which  I  was  surprised  to  find  here  during  the  winter.  I  liave  re- 
garded this  as  a  rather  rare  bird  in  this  locality,  as  the  only  other 
specimen  noted  in  two  years'  field  work  was  one  taken  April  4,  1913. 
This  second  specimen  remained  all  winter  in  the  cemetery  and  is  still 
here  at  the  present  writing  (May  5).  This  bird  was  much  more  shy  than 
the  Red-heads  and  not  so  noisy,  but  we  managed  to  see  him  on  nearly 
every  trip  during  the  winter. 

Tufted  Titmouse  {Bceoluphus  bicolor).  On  the  25th  of  January,  as 
I  was  walking  thru  a  small  Avillow  thicket,  a  small  bird  flew  into  a  bush 
not  ten  feet  in  front  of  me.  It  was  snowing  hard  at  the  time  and  this 
made  any  observation  work  difficult.  However,  I  recognized  the  bird  as 
one  of  this  species  and  after  considerable  maneuvering  managed  to  se- 
cure him.  A  short  time  later  another  was  secured.  This  is  another  form 
which  I  have  considered  rare,  tlie  only  other  record  being  a  pair  noted 
on  two  different  dates  in  April,  1913.  Ira  N.  Gabrielson. 


Field  Notes  105 

NESTING    OF    THE    BLUE-WINGED    WARBLER    IN    NORTHERN 

ILLINOIS. 

Apj)arently  the  blue-wingeil  warbler  is  not  common  in  this  area  even 
in  migrations.  However,  some  few  observations  made  at  a  time  when 
the  presence  of  the  bird  argued  the  likelihood  that  it  had  remained  to 
breed  in  the  locality  are  on  record,  and  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  in 
'  *  Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area " '  has  been  led  to  say,  ' '  It  does  not  seem 
imjjossible  that  a  very  few  individuals  may  remain  and  breed  within 
our  limits. ' ' 

On  May  23  while  pushing  my  way  through  cover  of  lesser  growth,  but 
comparatively  free  of  underbrush — a  rather  damp  part  of  the  woodland, 
at  its  edge  and  situated  between  its  higher  slopes  and  the  creek  bottom- 
land— I  came  upon  a  nest  new  to  me  but  quite  certainly  the  nest  of  a 
warbler.  There  were  no  eggs  nor  for  a  time  was  any  bird  in  evidence. 
Presently,  liowever,  I  caught  sight  of  a  small  yellow  head  peering  out  of 
the  greenery.  That,  I  believe,  was  the  male;  for  my  next  glimpse  was 
of  a  biril  not  so  bright  but  exhibiting  some  alarm  in  frequent  chippings 
though  for  the  most  })art  contriving  to  keep  in  concealment. 

Upon  revisiting  the  nest.  May  29,  accompanied  by  Dr.  Frederick  C. 
Test,  I  found  it  to  contain  four  small,  delicately  marked  eggs,  but,  as 
before,  the  birds  were  shy  and  it  was  only  after  a  considerable  interval  of 
waiting  that  Dr.  Test  and  I  were  able  to  descry  the  female.  She  kej^t  to 
the  higher  branches  of  the  nearby  trees,  and  while  manifesting  alarm  in 
nervous  chipping,  seemed  indisposed  to  make  the  fearless  approach 
common  to  most  of  the  smaller  birds  when  their  nests  are  threatened. 

Th»  nest  was  placed  on  the  ground  and  supported  by  the  three  stems 
of  a  small  choke-cherry  shrulj,  to  which  it  was  not  in  any  manner  at- 
tached. It  was  composed  of  oak  leaves,  the  stems  up-pointed,  strips  of 
grape-vine  bark  and  a  few  coarse  grasses.  The  lining  was  of  long  fibres 
of  plant  stems,  brown   in   color,  and  some  horse  hair. 

The  record  refers  to  a  locality  near  Fort  Sheridan,  Lake  county, 
Illinois.  Edward  R.  Ford. 

THE    FOX   SPARROW   IN   CENTRAL    ILLINOIS. 

On  December  28,  1912,  while  out  on  a  bird  "hunt,"  my  brother  and 
I  noticed  a  bird  flying  along  a  hedge  before  us.  At  first  we  thought 
it  was  a  brown  thrasher,  but  soon  we  found  our  error  and  identified  it 
as  a  fox  sparrow  (Passerella  iliaca).  We  soon  noticed  that  it  was 
in  some  way  crippled,  and  at  last  we  saw  that  its  right  wing  was  not 
fully  develojied.  It  was  alile  to  fly  short  ilistances  easily  and  avoided 
capture. 

During  the  winter  we  saw  it  again  on  February  16,  1913,  with  a 
companion  of  the  same  species,  so  that  our  fears  for  its  surviving  the 
winter  were  allayed.  It  was  easily  identified  as  the  same  individual  we 
had  before  seen  by  its  wing.     On  February  23,  1913,  it  was  again  seen 


106  The  Wilson  Bulletin — No.  87 

with  a  companion,  as  it  was  again  March  16.  It  was  recorded  by  itself 
on  March  24  and  26,  but  with  a  companion  on  March  30.  From  that 
date  it  was  observed  with  or  without  a  companion  (which  being  so  often 
seen  with  him,  and  being  somewhat  lighter  colored,  was  finally  concluded 
to  be  his  mate)  on  the  following  dates:  April  1,  6,  8,  9,  10,  19;  May  5, 
8,  12,  23,  29;  June  16,  25;  July  12,  24;  August  15;  September  9  and 
21.  In  October  he  was  observed  several  times,  but  with  others  of  his 
kind,  which  we  gathered,  from  their  actions,  were  not  only  of  his  kind, 
but  of  his  family.  Although  no  nest  could  be  found,  I  feel  certain  that 
this  maimed  bird  and  his  mate  raised  a  brood  of  young  fox  sparrows 
in  this  vicinity.  The  birds  were  always  found  in  an  abandoned  road- 
way about  a  half  mile  from  my  home.  I  am  also  glad  to  say  that  our 
hero's  wing  seemed  to  develop  during  the  summer,  and  though  not  as 
strong  as  the  other  nor  as  large,  he  got  along  very  well  and  would  take 
long  flights  without  much  trouble.  George  E.  Ekblav^. 

Eantoul,  111. 


NOTES  FEOM  HUEON,  EEIE  COUNTY,  OHIO. 

Pound  a  Black-bellied  Plover  in  an  oat  field  half  a  mile  south  of 
Huron  on  May  24. 

A  pair  of  Prothonotary  Warblers  have  been  around  Huron  for  several 
days  prospecting  for  a  nesting  place.  I  had  always  supposed  that  these 
birds  were  swamp-loving  birds,  but  this  pair  stay  around  houses.  They 
were  trying  to  get  into  wren  boxes,  and  yesterday  (May  24)  they 
started  building  in  an  empty  sprinkling  can  hung  up  on  the  back  of  a 
house.  They  have  been  around  today,  but  have  not  done  any  more 
building.  H.  G.  Morse,  Huron,  Ohio. 

TWO   NEW   BIEDS   FOE   OBEELIN,   OHIO. 

Apparently  a  season  of  erratic  weather  conditions  is  favorable  for 
the  appearance  of  extralimital  species.  The  spring  migration  of  1914 
in  northern  Ohio  will  be  remembered  for  the  late  beginning  of  the  first 
wave  of  migration  and  for  the  extreme  variations  from  normal  of  many 
migration  records  of  first  arrival  and  dates  for  the  arrival  of  the  bulk. 
The  curve  of  migration  was  about  sixty-five  per  cent  abnormal.  The 
Carolina  Chickadee  made  its  first  appearance  in  Oberlin  and  for  the 
general  region  on  February  27  and  remained  in  the  village  to  April  21. 
There  was  a  single  individual. 

Bewick's  Wren  was  taken  on  April  20.  It  has  been  found  in  the  region 
on  three  other  occasions,  but  never  before  in  the  village. 

In  this  connection  it  may  be  worth  notice  that  the  Hooded  and  Pro- 
thonotary Warblers  were  more  numerous  than  ever  before. 

Lynds  Jones,  Oberlin,  Ohio. 


Field  Notes  107 

A  CANNIBAL  GEACKLE. 

The  morning  of  May  ;!0  in  crossing  the  mall  to  the  Smithsonian  Insti- 
tution, I  noticed  what  appeared  to  be  a  fight  between  a  Purple  Graekle 
and  an  English  sparrow,  and  stopped  to  see  the  outcome.  The  Graekle 
held  the  sparrow  by  wing  or  leg  under  its  feet  and  peeked  savagely  at 
the  head.  The  fluttering  sparrow  escaped  two  or  three  times,  but  was 
instantly  recaptured.  Presently  the  Graekle  began  swallowing  the 
grewsome  contents  of  its  bill  obtained  from  the  still  fluttering  sparrow. 
I  did  not  wait  to  see  more,  but  at  noon  I  sought  the  spot  and  found 
a  dead  female  English  sparrow  with  the  back  of  the  head  laid  bare  to  the 
skull.     So  far  as  I  could  see  it  was  not  injured  elsewhere. 

Is  the  Purple  Graekle  a  bird  of  prey  or  was  it  a  fight  to  the  death 
only,  the  blackbird  swallowing  his  billsful  merely  to  get  rid  of  them? 
Was  he  after  a  meal  or  after  revenge  f  As  the  little  corpse  was  covered 
with  ants  when  I  found  it  I  could  not  be  sure  whetlier  the  Graekle  had 
eaten  the  brains  or  wliether  the  ants  had  emptied  the  skull  they  now  filled. 

Dejt.  Agriculture,  Washington,  D.  C.  Agnes  Chase. 


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THE 

WILSON  BULLETIN 

No.  88. 

A     QUARTERLY     JOURNAL     OF     ORXITHOLOGY 
VOL.  XXVI  SEPTEMBER,  1914.  No.  3 

OLD  SERIES  VOL.   XXVI.      NEW   SERIES  VOL.   XXI. 


THE  PROTHOXOTARY  AVARBLER  AT  LAKE 
OKOBOJI,  IOWA. 

By  T.  C.  Stephens. 

Ou  July  4,  1914,  our  entire  camp*  was  takeu  on  an  excur- 
sion along  the  southwest  shore  of  Lake  Okoboji,  Iowa.  At 
noon  the  party  was  to  eat  lunch  at  a  point  on  the  west  shore 
known  as  Elm  Crest.  They  had  been  carried  in  relays  across 
Emerson's  Bay  so  that  the  first  to  reach  the  destination  had 
some  time  at  their  OAvn  disposal  before  the  last  ones  arrived. 

As  I  came  up  I  Avas  met  by  Mr.  H.  C.  Pollock  Avho,  Avith 
evident  excitement,  informed  me  that  he  had  seen  a  bird 
which  he  thought  must  be  a  Prothonotary  Warbler.  I  Avas 
naturally  a  little  skeptical  as  to  the  identification,  but  never- 
theless anxious  to  see  Avhat  he  had  found. 

We  were  in  the  immediate  \ucinity  of  a  summer  cottage 
OAA-ned  by  Mr.  A.  J.  Goodell,  Avhich  had,  as  j'et,  not  been 
opened  for  the  season.  It  Avas  surrounded  by  a  heavy  groAvth 
of  timber,  mostly  oaks.  Very  soon  Ave  heard  a  clear,  but  gentle, 
"weet,  weet,  tveet,  weet,"  and  Mr.  Pollock  exclaimed,  ''There 
is  the  bird";  and  it  was  but  a  moment  till  aa'c  had  our  glasses 
focused  upon  her. 

'.Students   of  the   Jlacbride    (Iowa)    Lakeside   Laboratory. 


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XEST    OF    inOTHOXOTARY    WAUBLEit    REMOVED    FROM    THE    CAN 


Thp:  Pkothuxotaky  Warbler  111 

The  head,  throat,  and  lireast  appeared  to  be  a  bright  lemon 
yellow  (the  orange  tinge  was  not  noticeable  at  this  distance)  ; 
the  wings  and  tail  were  dark,  the  former  appearing  to  have 
a  distinctly  bluish  cast.  Alcove  the  nearly  black  tip  of  the 
tail  there  was  a  distinct  band  of  white.  The  black  bill  was 
unusually  long  for  a  warbler.  As  we  watched  a  second  bird 
came  within  view. 

These  characters,  so  clearly  recognized,  convinced  us  at 
once  that  we  had,  indeed,  stumbled  upon  a  pair  of  Prothono- 
tary  Warblers  (Protf)notaria  citrca).  My  next  thought  was 
that  the  birds  must  be  breeding;  and  after  about  five  min- 
utes' close  watching,  I  saw  one  of  the  birds  fly  low  and  direct 
to  an  empty  tin  can  nailed  to  the  trunk  of  a  tree  not  more 
than  ten  feet  from  the  cottage.  Immediate  examination 
revealed  a  single  young  l)ird,  which  was  almost  ready  to  leave 
the  nest. 

The  location  of  the  nest  Avas  a  thickly  wooded  and  elevated 
point  of  land  projecting  into  the  lake  on  the  west  shore.  At 
the  highest  elevation,  l)ut  scarcely  over  fifty  feet  from  tlie 
shore  line,  stood  the  cottage.  The  underbrush  had  been 
cleared  away  from  the  front  of  the  cottage,  and  at  the  sides 
for  a  distance  of  perhaps  a  rod. 

We  now  noticed  tliat  on  the  trees  around  the  dwelling,  at 
intervals  of  ten  to  fifteen  feet,  there  had  been  put  up  empty 
tomato  cans  for  the  use  of  Ifirds — especially  the  house  wrens, 
which  are  so  aliundant  around  the  lake.  These  were  mostly 
at  about  the  height  of  a  man's  uplifted  hand,  viz.,  about  seven 
feet.  The  warblers  had  selected  one  whose  opening  faced  the 
south. 

The  photograph  will  desrrilie  the  external  appearance  of 
the  nest  site  sufficiently. 

Subse(iuently  the  nest  was  removed  from  the  can  for  exam- 
ination. Only  two  materials  seemed  to  enter  into  its  com- 
position to  any  noticeable  extent.  The  great  bulk,  or 
"foundation,"  consisted  of  a  tangled  mass  of  moss.  The 
lining  consisted  of  dried  grass  of  rather  coarse  grade. 
Roughly,  the  cavity  of  the  nest  measured  70  mm.  in 
diameter. 


112  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  88 

While  we  were  watching  the  birds,  the  owners  of  the  cottage 
arrived  for  their  summer  sojourn.  We  explained  to  them  that 
the  grounds  were  already  tenanted,  and  found  them  to  be 
very  much  interested  in  the  welfare  of  their  distinguished 
bird  guests. 

The  next  day  ]\Ir.  Goodell  walked  a  good  mile  around  the 
lake  shore,  about  noon,  to  tell  me  that  the  young  warbler  had 
left  the  nest  that  morning  about  nine  o'clock,  and  that  the,y 
Mere  keeping  track  of  its  whereabouts  until  I  could  arrive. 
About  two  o'clock  the  young  bird  was  banded  with  the  num- 
ber 16291.  and  returned  to  its  home — the  tin  can — where  it 
seemed  perfectly  contented  to  remain.  By  this  procedure  we 
hoped  to  entice  the  parents  to  visit  the  nest  and  feed,  in  order 
that  we  might  make  photographs.  In  this  we  were  entirely 
successful,  for  within  five  minutes  one  of  the  parents  had 
discovered  the  young  and  visited  it  with  food. 

The  feeding  visits  were  then  continued  with  frequency 
during  the  remainder  of  the  afternoon,  and  we  made  over  a 
dozen  exposures  of  the  old  bird  in  the  process  of  feeding. 
Unfortunately,  all  but  two  of  the  plates  were  underexposed. 
The  photograph  here  reproduced  shows  this  bird  in  a  some- 
what ditferent  attitude  from  that  usually  depicted  in  the 
illustrated  accounts  of  the  species. 

Usually,  if  undisturbed,  the  parent  flew  directly'  to  the 
nest,  alighting  on  the  disc  of  tin  cut  out  for  an  entrance  and 
bent  into  a  horizontal  position.  However,  if  at  all  alarmed 
the  approach  was  made  more  cautiously.  It  would,  under 
such  circumstances,  alight  on  the  tree  trunk  or  small  twigs 
ten  or  fifteen  feet  above  the  nest,  and  descend  by  hopping 
from  twig  to  twig;  or,  hy  simply  clinging  to  the  bark  of  the 
tree,  and  hopping,  neither  backward  nor  head-first,  but  side- 
wdse.  Of  course  it  is  quite  possible  that  the  two  methods  of 
approaching  the  nest  here  mentioned  may  have  belonged  to 
the  male  and  female  birds  respectively,  but  in  the  short  time 
the  sexes  were  not  distinguished. 

No  effort  Avas  made  to  recognize  the  food  brought,  Init  in 
one  instance  a  green  larva  was  noticed.  The  photograph  also 
shows  some  insect  in  the  bird's  bill. 


The  Prothoxotaky  AVarbleu  113 

It  was  very  (evident  from  the  old  bird's  actions  that  she  was 
trying  to  coax  the  young  one  ont  of  the  nest.  She  would 
remain  nearby  twittering  and  calling  for  a  considerable  time 
before  going  to  the  nest  to  deliver  the  food  she  carried.  The 
young  bird  left  the  nest  the  following  day  (Monday)  and 
neither  young  nor  old  birds  were  seen  again,  although  the 
vicinity  of  the  nest  was  visited  a  number  of  times  later. 
Although  no  other  young  were  seen,  it  is  quite  likely  that 
the  one  we  found  was  the  last  one  of  a  larger  brood  to  leave; 
the  nest. 

The  distribution  of  the  Prothonotar}^  AVarbler  in  Iowa  does 
not  seem  to  be  fully  known.  It  has  been  observed  along  the 
Missouri  river  as  far  north  as  jMills  county,  Iowa,  and  pos- 
sibly at  8ioux  City.  Its  plentiful  occurrence  along  the  upper 
Mississippi  river  is  well  recorded  by  Dr.  T.  S.  Roberts  (see 
the  Auk,  XVI,  1899,  pp.  236-246).  The  only  published 
account,  apparently,  of  its  distribution  within  the  state  of 
Iowa  occurs  in  Anderson's  Birds  of  Iowa,  from  Avhich  the 
following  paragraph  may  be  quoted : 

"It  is  a  bird  of  southern  distribution  and  is  only  tolerably 
common  along  the  bottom  lands  of  the  larger  rivers  in  south- 
ern Iowa.  It  reaches  to  about  its  northern  limit  on  the  Iowa 
river  in  Johnson  county,  on  the  Cedar  river  in  Blackhawk 
county  (Peck),  and  the  Des  Moines  river  in  "Webster  county 
(Somes).  Dr.  Trostler  reports  it  as  a  common  summer  resi- 
dent, but  becoming  scarce,  in  Mills  county  on  the  INIissouri, 
while  Dr.  Rich  reports  it  as  rare  at  Sioux  City.  Dr.  B.  H. 
Bailey  shot  two  males  at  Lansing,  Allamakee  county.  Iowa,  in 
1904.  The  most  northern  record  outside  of  the  ]\Iississippi 
bottoms  was  one  male,  seen  along  the  Des  Moines  river  in 
Kossuth  county,  by  W.  H.  Bingaman,  May  20,  1901.  The 
liird  was  not  taken,  but  identity  is  positive,  Mr.  Bingaman 
having  found  many  nests  in  southern  Illinois." 

Dr.  Roberts  (Auk,  XVI,  p.  240)  refers  to  an  "indefinite 
record"  for  the  region  of  Heron  Lake.  INIinnesota,  only  about 
twenty-five  miles  directly  north  of  Lake  Okoboji,  but  which 
he  thought  was  a  mistake  in  identity.  I  have  no  information 
as  to  the  authoritv  for  this  record  and  am  unable  to  judge  as 


PROTIIONOTARY    WARBLER    ABOUT    TO    FEED   YOUXG 


The  Prothoxotary  Warbler  115 

to  its  value.  This  Okoboji  record,  however,  Avould  tend  to 
make  the  Heron  Lake  record  probable.* 

An  interesting  pro])leni  which  naturally  arises  is  as  to  the 
route  by  which  these  birds  reached  the  lake  region  (refer- 
ring solely  to  the  Okoboji  record).  It  is  not  a  great  distance 
along  tlie  Des  Moines  river  from  Webster  county,  where  the 
species  has  ))een  recorded,  to  the  lake  region.  But  the  Des 
Moines  valley  lies  on  the  ea.st  of  the  divide,  while  the  lakes 
are  on  the  west;  and  there  are  no  streams  or  valleys  connect- 
ing. The  actual  distance  across  from  the  Des  Moines  valley 
to  the  lakes  at  this  point  ^\•ould  only  be  about  eighteen  miles. 

However,  if  the  V)irds  follow  the  river  valleys  strictly  in 
their  migration  (and,  conse((uently,  in  extending  their  range) 
we  must  look  to  the  JMissouri  river  drainage  basin  for  the 
route  of  the  Okolioji  l)irds.  From  the  investigations  of  Loucks, 
Roberts,  Adams,  and  others,  it  seems  to  be  pretty  well  estab- 
lished that  the  species  in  question  is  very  closely  restricted 
to  the  river  valleys  in  its  movements,  as  well  as  its  breeding. 

The  outlet  of  Lake  Okoboji  is  through  a  chain  of  several 
smaller  lakes  (including  the  Upper  and  Lower  Gar  lakes,  and 
Lake  ]\Iinnewashta)  into  a  shallow  and  swampy  creek  which 
empties  into  the  Little  Sioux  river  about  a  mile  below  the 
town  of  Milford.  This  river,  after  traversing  the  north- 
western portion  of  Iowa,  finally  empties  into  the  JMissouri 
river  a1)0ut  midway  between  Sioux  City  and  Council  Bluffs. 

Taking  into  account  the  ]Missouri  river  records  above  re- 
ferred to,  it  seems  very  probable  that  the  Prothonotary 
Warbler  has  pushed  up  the  Little  Sioux  valley  to  the  lake 
region  of  Iowa.  We  may,  therefore,  await  with  some  interest 
reports  from  points  in  the  Little  Sioux  valle}'  with  reference 
to  this  species. 

The  authors  cited  are  as  follows : 

1.  Loucks,  AV.  E.  The  Life  History  and  Distribution  of  the 
Prothonotary  Warbler  in  Illinois.  Bull.  111.  State  Lab.  Nat. 
Hist.,  IV,  1895,  pp.  10-35. 

*  In  response  to  an  inquiry  Dr.  Thos.  S.  Roberts  writes  me  under  date  of 
August  21.  1914,  in  wliicli  he  states  tliat  the  Heron  Lake  Record  has  never 
been  published  otherwise  tlian  by  tlie  negative  reference  in  his  article  above 
cited.  He  also  assures  nie  that  his  reference  to  the  bird  in  this  locality  must 
not  be  considered  a  "record."  for  he  placed  no  reliance  on  the  information 
as    it    reached    him. 


116  The  Wilsox  Bulletin — No.   88 

2.  Roberts,  Dr.  Thos.  S.  The  Prothouotary  or  Golden 
Swamp  Warbler  (Protonotaria  citrea)  a  Common  Summer 
Resident  of  Southeastern  Minnesota.  Auk,  XVI.  1899.  pp. 
236-246. 

3.  Adams,  C.  C.  The  Migration  Route  of  Kirtland's  War- 
bler.   Bull.  Mich.  Ornith.  Club,  V,  1904,  pp.  14-21. 

4.  Anderson,  R.  M.  The  Birds  of  Iowa.  Davenport.  Iowa, 
1907. 

Sioux  City,  Iowa. 


HABITS  OF   THE   OLD-SQUAW    {HARELDA  HYEMA- 

LIS)    IN  JACKSON  PARK,  CHICAGO. 

By  ED^YIN  D.  Hull. 

INTRODUCTION. 

The  following  notes  are  the  result  of  three  winters"  study 
of  the  habits  of  the  Old-squaw  in  Jackson  Park,  Chicago,  111., 
from  1912  to  1914  inclusive.  It  is  regretted  that  observa- 
tions could  not  have  been  made  for  a  few  years  more,  and 
it  is  conceivable  that  exceptions  to  some  of  the  statements 
contained  herein  might  be  made  through  additional  study, 
but  it  seems  advisable  to  publish  what  observations  there  are, 
as  the  stock  of  information  concerning  our  waterfowl  is  gen- 
erally conceded  to  be  woefully  deficient. 

PREVIOUS    LITERATURE. 

I  have  been  able  to  find  l»ut  two  extensive  papers  on  tiie 
habits  of  this  bird,  both  of  which  have  been  noted  carefully. 
In  1892  G.  H.  Mackay  (Auk  9:  330-337.  1892)  gave  an 
excellent  account  in  a  general  way  of  the  species  in  New 
England,  where  the  birds  were  observed  almost  exclusively 
on  salt-water.  In  1913  a  more  intensive  study  was  recorded 
by  J.  G.  Millais  (British  Diving  Ducks,  Vol.  1, 112-131.  1913) . 
The  notes  here,  however,  relate  mainly  to  the  habits  of  the 
species  in  the  Old  World,  and  likewise  on  salt-water.     No 


Habits  op  the  Old-S(^ua\v  117 

extended  aeeoiiiit  of  the  habits  of  the  species  inland  seems  to 
have  been  -written,  and  it  is  in  part  to  supply  this  deficiency 
that  tlie  following  notes  are  recorded. 

ENVIRONMENT. 

Jackson  Park  is  noted  for  its  beautiful  chain  of  lagoons, 
which  bears  a  striking  resemblance  to  a  large  river.  Both 
ends  of  the  chain  are  connected  with  Lake  j\Iieliigan.  at  the 
connections  being  spanned  by  bridges.  The  lagoons  in  thi? 
main  are  broad  and  fairly  deep  at  the  middle,  l)ut  become 
very  narrow  in  places,  more  especially  at  the  several  bridges. 
Along  the  sides  in  shallow  water  are  broad  zones  of  the 
crisped  pondweed  {Potamogeton  crispns),  a  European  plant, 
not  long  in  this  region,  but  already  exceedingly  abundant  and 
vigorous.  With  this  species  occur  a  few  less  conspicuous 
plants.  Rocks  have  been  thrown  in  about  the  edges  in  places. 
The  lake  itself  which  borders  the  park  on  the  east  is  shel- 
tered much  by  a  harbor  and  somewhat  by  piers  built  into  it. 
The  plants,  rocks  and  piers  constitute  a  very  favorable  habitat 
for  immense  swarms  of  silvery  minnows  (Notropis  atJicri- 
noidcs),  which  seem  to  be  almost  if  not  entirely  the  solo 
source  of  food  for  the  01d-S(iuaw  in  this  locality. 

OCCURRENCE  AND  ABUNDANCE. 

Where  two  or  more  birds  are  found  together  tliey  do  not 
appear  until  severe  weather  sets  in,  and  the  lake  is  covered 
more  or  less  with  ice,  l)ut  leaving  several  open  places  here  and 
there,  especially  about  the  piers,  Avhere  the  birds  are  able 
to  obtain  food.  My  earliest  record  is  January  28,  1912,  when 
eleven  were  seen,  and  the  latest  February  27,  1913.  when 
four  Avere  seen.  The  occurrence  of  flocks  and  twos  is  cer- 
tainly determined  by  the  weather.  Solitary  individuals  may 
appear  much  earlier  and  remain  much  later.  'Sly  earliest 
record  is  December  14,  1913,  and  the  latest  :\Iay  6.  1912. 
Another  very  late  record  is  April  8,  1914.  In  two  cases  at 
least  these  early  or  late  birds  appeared  following  a  cold  wave, 
but  they  were  associated  with  the  Lesser  Scaup,  and  in  all 


118  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  88 

probability  were  not  so  much  dependent  on  the  weather  as  on 
the  migrations  of  the  Scaups,  less  boreal  in  habit  and  the 
most  abundant  ducks  in  this  region.  They  may,  however, 
remain  after  the  Scaups  have  left  for  the  south,  and  also 
leave  ahead  of  the  Scaups  in  the  spring,  after  sojourning  with 
them  a  day  or  more,  so  that  the  weather  plays  a  role  even 
here,  but  is  not  the  only  factor. 

The  ducks  in  twos  or  more  keep  to  the  lake  or  more  rarely 
in  the  harbor,  and  only  the  solitary  ducks  enter  the  lagoons, 
and  not  then  except  when  they  occur  with  the  Scaups.  In 
midwinter  the  lagoons  are  usually  frozen  solidly  over,  but 
exceptions  occur,  so  that  the  absence  of  the  flocks  from  them 
cannot  be  always  thus  explained. 

The  birds  seem  to  be  growing  scarcer  every  j-ear.  The  size 
of  the  flocks  is  decreasing  rapidly,  and  single  birds  are  very 
common.  The  largest  flock  noted  was  eleven  in  1912,  and  the 
next  largest  six  in  1913. 

SOCIAL   LIFE. 

The  birds  when  more  than  one  keep  to  themselves,  but 
when  isolated  are  (juite  likely  to  be  seen  with  other  species, 
although  occasionally  utterly  alone.  If  the  birds  are  mated 
at  this  season  of  the  year  it  is  hardly  possible  to  pick  out  the 
pairs  on  account  of  all  the  birds  keeping  together.  Further- 
more, even  numbers,  which  might  indicate  pairs,  are  not  one- 
half  so  common  as  odd  numbers,  which  show,  of  course,  at 
least  one  unmated  bird.  The  birds  seen  in  twos  are  not  paired, 
either,  so  far  as  can  be  ascertained.  Single  birds  have  been 
found  associated  with  the  Lesser  Scaup  and  the  American 
Goldeneye,  particularly  during  periods  of  inactivity,  although 
when  feeding  they  may  desert  the  other  species.  Quite  often 
the  Scaups  feed  in  too  shallow  water,  as  along  the  edges  of 
the  lagoons,  to  suit  the  tastes  of  tlie  Old-squaw,  while  the 
Goldeneyes  often  feed  in  water  entirely  too  deep.  A  bird  seen 
February  17,  1914,  with  a  small  flock  of  American  Groldeneyes 
out  in  the  lake  quite  a  distance  from  the  piers  left  the  flock 
when  it  wanted  to  feed,  and  came  to  the  piers,  where  the 
water   was   much    more    shallow,    but    after   its   hunger   was 


Habits  op  the  Old-Squaw  119 

satisfied  returned  to  its  companions.  Even  when  the  Golden- 
eyes  were  diving  vigorously  in  the  deeper  water  the  Old-squaw 
made  no  attempt  to  imitate  them.  In  their  association  with 
these  other  species  the  Old-squaws  keep  somewhat  aloof,  and 
never  display  the  same  familiarity  with  the  birds  of  a  dif- 
ferent species  as  do  the  individuals  of  a  single  species  tOAvard 
each  other.  They  generally  keep  a  certain  distance  away 
from  the  birds  of  another  species,  and  may  even  attack  them 
if  they  get  too  close ;  similarly  the  birds  of  another  species 
may  attack  them. 

FOOD. 

The  feeding  ground  is  a  place  apart,  but  mainly  close  to 
the  resting  ground,  so  that  it  is  reached  by  a  brief  swim. 
After  feeding  the  birds  return  to  their  resting  ground.  When 
a  suitable  feeding  locality  is  once  found  the  birds  return  to 
it  again  and  again,  and  likewise  the  same  resting  ground  is 
repeatedly  chosen. 

The  food  no  dou])t  is  almost  entirely  animal,  and  would 
seem  to  be  restricted  to  a  single  species  of  fish,  the  silvery 
minnow,  a  long  slender  fish  which  fairly  swarms  about  the 
piers  and  in  the  lagoons.  The  stomach  of  an  adult  female 
found  floating  in  a  lagoon  April  1,  1912,  contained  approxi- 
mately 140  of  these  minnows,  all  entire,  besides  many  fi'ag- 
ments  of  the  same  fish,  but  no  other  food.  The  fish  averaged 
about  two  inches  in  length.  Another  fish  very  abundant  in 
this  region  is  the  yellow  perch,  but  it  is  rough  and  spiny, 
and  is  no  doubt  avoided,  as  so  much  better  food  can  be  had. 
AVhether  any  vegetable  food  is  utilized  is  uncertain.  An  adult 
male  was  seen  to  be  nibbling  along  the  sides  of  a  bit  of  loose 
piling,  as  if  scraping  off  algae,  but  this  may  not  have  been 
the  case. 

The  food  is  swallowed  under  water.  Millais  says  concern- 
ing a  pair  of  tame  birds  that  they  swallowed  pieces  of  food 
smaller  than  a  minnow  below  usually,  Avhile  larger  pieces 
w^ere  brought  to  the  surface  and  vigorously  shaken.  I  have 
yet  to  see,  however,  any  bringing  of  food  to  the  surface  of 
the  water. 


120  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  88 

DIVING. 

Millais  says  that  iu  diving-  thej'  use  the  feet  only,  but 
according  to  Chapman  after  Towusend  they  use  their  Avings 
(Birds  of  Eastern  North  America,  p.  198,  1912).  My  owji 
observations  confirm  those  of  Townsend.  March  13,  1914,  I 
Avas  fortunate  in  witnessing  the  diving  of  an  exceedingly  tame 
bird  about  the  piers.  In  this  bird  the  movement  of  the  wings 
was  very  plainly  visible  for  some  time  as  it  dived  obliquely 
in  the  clear  water. 

In  all  but  one  instance  the  birds  spread  their  wings  and 
disappear  almost  immediately,  but  the  bird  of  March  13,  1914, 
just  noted,  adopted  a  much  more  leisurely  method.  It  first 
put  its  head  under  water,  then  moved  forward  a  feAV  feet 
with  wings  folded,  then  flapped  its  wings  a  few  times,  moving 
forward  all  the  while,  and  finally  disappeared  beneath  the 
surface.  In  feeding  this  action  was  invariable  in  all  the 
observations  made.  When  frightened,  however,  this  bird  dove 
as  quickly  as  any  other.  The  diving  as  observed  in  this  bird, 
as  I  have  stated,  was  in  a  very  oblique  direction.  The  bird 
started  many  feet  out,  diving  towards  the  pier,  and  on  reach- 
ing it  turned  and  worked  along  the  pier  for  some  distance 
before  rising  to  the  surface.  Once  it  was  seen  to  dash  just 
beneath  the  water  for  the  pier,  and  on  reaching  it  come  at 
once  to  the  top.  In  diving  much  splashing  is  made,  which 
is  not  the  case  in  a  duck  which  dives  with  folded  wings,  as 
in  the  Lesser  Scaup.  The  time  spent  under  water  was  noted 
in  nineteen  instances,  the  maximum  being  twenty-five  seconds, 
minimum  ten  seconds,  average  about  eighteen  seconds.  Food 
was  probably  easily  obtained,  however,  and  the  water  rela- 
tively shallow.  No  doubt  a  much  longer  time  could  be 
endured.  Millais  gives  the  usual  time  as  being  from  thirty 
seconds  to  one  minute. 

VOICE. 

In  flocks  the  Old-squaws  are  noisy  birds,  as  noted  by 
]\Iackay,  and  their  cries  are  adequately  described  by  him. 
I  have  found  single  birds,  however,  with  but  one  exception, 
absolutelv  silent.     The  single  exception  was  the  bird  occur- 


Haljits  op  the  Old-Squaw  121 

ring-  Avitli  the  Goldeneyes  February  17,  11)14,  cited  under 
''Social  Life."  This  bird  in  leaving  its  companions  for  the 
piers  to  feed,  on  its  way  called  a  few  times  at  fairly  definite 
intervals,  a  subdued  call  of  two  notes,  best  described,  perhaps, 
as  0-0 nc.  The  significance  of  this  brief  cry  could  not  be 
determined  with  certainty.  It  was  noted  that  the  bird  in 
going  to  its  feeding  ground  was  alert,  so  that  this  call  may 
have   indicated  a  slight   alarm. 

FLIGHT. 

IMrds  in  flocks  are  often  very  active,  but  single  birds  are 
inclined  to  fly  very  little  if  at  all.  Even  Avhen  badly  fright- 
ened they  will  try  to  escape  by  diving  instead  of  taking  wing. 
In  spring,  hoAvever,  when  they  are  about  to  depart  for  the 
north,  they  become  more  active.  The  bird  seen  April  8,  1914, 
took  wing  Avheu  scared,  and  another  seen  March  22,  1914, 
would  sometimes  fly  from  its  feeding  ground  about  the  piers 
farther  out  into  the  lake,  Avhere  it  rested.  But  ordinarily 
single  birds  will  not  fly  even  AA'hen  the  other  ducks  Avitli  which 
they  are  associated  take  flight.  This  unwillingness  to  fly 
would  seem  to  bear  no  relation  to  age,  for  a  bird  which  could 
not  be  induced  to  take  flight  under  any  circumstances  was 
an  adult  male  upon  which  I  made  observations  from  Decem- 
ber 14  to  December  28,  1913  (see  Auk  31:  244,  245.  1914). 
According  to  Millais,  however,  j^oung  birds  will  not  rise  on 
their  first  arrival  from  the  north,  differing  in  this  respect 
from  the  adults. 

BATHING. 

Bathing  is  not  undertaken  except  after  diving  for  food, 
and  in  one  instance,  where  the  bird  made  a  single  dive,  no 
bathing  followed  at  all.  Occasionally  after  feeding  the  bird 
delays  bathing  in  order  to  preen,  but  more  often  preening 
follows  bathing.  In  cases  of  prolonged  feeding  bathing  may 
take  place  at  different  intervals,  a  period  of  diving  being  fol- 
lowed by  a  period  of  bathing.  Once  after  a  bird  had  bathed 
it  climbed  out  on  a  bit  of  piling,  and  on  getting  oft'  bathed 
again.      Bathing   very   seldom    takes   place    on   the    feeding 


1^2  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.   88 

ground,  the  action  being  delayed  until  the  resting  place  is 
reached.  In  one  instance,  however,  a  bird  was  seen  to  bathe 
Avhile  coming  from  its  feeding  ground. 

Bathing  is  a  very  leisurely  process  at  first,  being  merely  a 
dipping  of  the  head  under  water,  but  soon  increases  in  vigor, 
being  accompanied  by  much  flapping  of  M'iugs  and  splashing 
of  water,  followed  in  all  instances  by  preening,  whether  or 
not  a  preliminary  preen  was  undergone  before  bathing  com- 
menced. In  only  one  instance  was  bathing  so  vigorous  as  to 
carry  the  bird  completely  under  the  surface. 

DRINKING. 

Drinking  takes  place  but  seldom,  only  two  instances  having 
been  noted.  The  bird  seen  from  December  14  to  December 
28,  1913,  was  seen  to  drink  twice  in  rapid  succession  about 
40  minutes  after  feeding,  and  another  very  hungry  bird  seen 
March  13,  1914,  was  correspondingly  thirsty,  drinking  again 
and  again  between  dives,  often  several  times  in  succession. 
Occasionally,  however,  the  bill  was  merely  dipped  in  the 
water,  the  head  not  being  thrown  back  nor  the  swallowing 
reflex  taking  place  afterward.  Probabl}^  in  most  cases  enough 
water  is  taken  in  with  the  food. 

PREENING. 

Preening  alwaA^s  takes  place  after  bathing,  and  occasionally 
before,  as  I  have  said,  and  also  at  various  intervals  through- 
out the  day.  The  belly  feathers  are  not  given  the  same 
attention  that  the  other  feathers  are.  In  one  instance  the 
bird  would  not  preen  these  feathers  until  after  it  had  climbed 
out  on  a  piling,  and  in  another  case  the  bird  stood  on  its  tail 
in  the  water  in  the  manner  cited  by  IMillais.  These  were  the 
only  instances  noted,  while  the  feathers  of  the  back  and  sides 
undergo  a  thorough  preening  continuously. 

PERCHING. 

While  the  birds  never  come  out  on  the  shore,  keeping 
strictly  to  the  water,  a  bit  of  piling  stuck  in  the  bottom  of 


The  Kentucky  Warbler  123 

a  lagoon  in  a  slanting  direction,  with  only  a  portion  of  the 
top  out  of  water,  was  made  much  use  of  by  one  bird  to  preen 
and  rest.  AVhile  on  the  piling,  however,  the  bird  Avas  always 
more  or  less  alert,  seeming  to  realize  that  it  w<is  not  alto- 
gether in  its  proper  element,  and  althougli  it  would  squat 
down  after  a  while  it  was  never  seen  to  go  to  sleep,  at  least 
it  never  put  its  head  under  its  wing,  as  it  did  so  often  in 
other  situations,  although  the  head  was  often  di-awn  down 
snugly  between  the  shoulders. 

MORTALITY. 

My  observations  on  this  point  agree  very  closely  with  those 
of  Mackay,  the  deaths  happening  to  females  and  immature 
males.  Along  the  south  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  the  Indiana 
side,  I  have  seen  a  few  dead  adult  males,  but  in  every  instance 
the  bodies  were  so  torn  by  gulls  that  the  cause  of  death  could 
not  be  determined.  March  31,  1914,  I  found  an  adult  male  on 
the  beach  at  Jackson  Park,  in  good  condition,  but  with  very 
little  fat.  There  were  no  wounds  apparent  except  a  liad  one 
on  the  back,  which  was  probal)l>'  made  by  a  gull,  Avhich  bird 
may  have  been  the  cause  of  the  Old-squawk's  deatlL  although 
it  does  not  appear  likely.  Dead  birds  have  been  found  in 
all  winters  except  that  of  1912-1913,  the  mildest  of  all.  But 
not  even  in  the  severest  winters  have  I  found  a  l)ii-d  that  was 
starved  to  skin  and  bones,  although  besides  the  adult  male 
just  referred  to,  none  of  them  possessed  any  fat. 


THE  KENTUCKY  WARBLER  IX   COLUMBLAXA 
COUNTY. 

By  H.  W.  We:isgerber,  Salem,  Ohio. 

I  am  fully  convinced  that  the  Kentucky  AVarbler  is  tirmly 
establishing  itself  along  the  northern  boundry  of  Columbiana 
County,  for  a  bird  could  scarcely  appear  for  three  successive 
years  in  a  given  locality  and  not  continue  to  do  so.  provided, 
of  course,  that  conditions  remained  the  same. 


SITE    OF    KEXTIX'KV    WAltBLERS    NEST 

Till'   iii'ST    is   on    the   .i;i-iMiiid    bcm  nth    the   stick,    .'is    inrliintril    hy    vivr] 


The  Kp:ntucky  Warbler  125 

My  first  experience  with  the  species  was  on  May  5,  1907, 
which  was  during  tlie  early  years  of  my  bird  study  career. 
But  l)efore  going-  on  I  wish  to  relate  a  rather  funny  incident 
with  that  first  observation.  It  was  on  a  lovely  Sundaj^  after- 
noon and  T  had  gone  to  the  woods — just  for  a  walk  and  with- 
out my  opera  glasses — not  expecting  to  find  anything  rare. 
I  found  the  bird  nnder  the  thick  cover  of  brush  in  a  low,  wet 
spot  in  the  woods.  Across  my  path  lay  a  large,  partly 
decayed  hickory  log  with  a  few  short  stubs  of  limbs  still  upon 
it.  The  bird  was  feeding  about  the  earth-bank  that  still  hid 
the  bnried  roots,  and  in  order  to  get  a  better  view  of  it  I 
stepped  upon  the  log  and  then  leaned  rather  heavily  with 
my  left  hand  upon  one  of  the  decayed  limbs.  Well,  suddenly, 
and  without  warning,  the  limb  gave  way  and  I  found  myself 
astride  the  log,  looking  m  the  opposite  direction  from  where 
the  bird  was  feeding.  As  might  be  expected,  the  bird  flew 
away  and  I  failed  to  find  him  again. 

It  Avas  in  the  height  of  the  migration  season  of  1912  that 
I  again  saAv  him ;  this  time  in  woodland  nearer  the  city,  I 
listed  him  several  times  during  the  "season,"  after  which  I 
did  not  visit  the  woods  until  fall.  I  had  the  same  experience 
with  him  during  the  "season"  of  1913,  and  while  I  suspected 
a  breeding  pair,  I  never  found  more  than  one  bird — the 
male  for  he  was  in  song. 

During  the  1914  "season"  I  had  a  collaborator,  Mr.  J.  F. 
]Machwart,  of  the  high  school  faculty,  whose  great  desire  was 
to  ""list"  a  Kentucky  Warbler,  and  very  fortunately  he  found 
it  on  a  rainy  morning  when  I  was  not  wdth  him.  I  listed 
the  bird  the  next  morning  and  about  every  other  morning 
during  the  "season."  It  was  some  time  after  the  migration 
season  that  Mr.  Maciiwart  reported  that  he  had  seen  a  Ken- 
tucky Warbler  with  nesting  material  in  her  beak  and  that  she 
was  very  much  concerned  about  his  presence. 

On  the  afternoon  of  June  13th  I  was  "hunting"  with  a 
caiuei-a.  and  while  waiting  for  a  Red-eyed  Yireo  to  return  to 
her  nest  a  pair  of  Kentucky  Warblers  were  greatly  excited. 
This  was  the  first  time  that  I  had  ever  seen  a  pair. 

After  she  had  disappeared  in  a  brush  pile  she  went  to  the 


TWO    YOUNG    KENTUCKY   WARBLERS    IN    NEST 
Photo  by   II.  W.   Welsgerher,   Salem,   Oliio 


The  Kenticky  AVarblkr  127 

nest  with  food.  Then  it  was  found  out  that  1  had  been 
sitting  within  10  feet  of  her  nest  and  onee  during  that  time 
she  liad  perched  upon  the  stick  al)ove  the  ne.st.  I  did  not  see 
it  (hiring  my  first  hunt  for  it.  At  tliis  time  the  young  birds 
were  only  a  few  days  old  and  S(iuii'ined  so  much  that  they 
spoiled  the  negative  of  the  nest. 

I  notified  Mr.  George  L.  Fordyce,  of  Youngstown,  Ohio,  of 
my  find,  and  on  the  18th  he  and  ]Mr.  John  L.  Young  came  to 
Salem  and  got  to  see  the  old  and  young  birds.  At  this  time, 
too.  I  obtained  the  negative  of  the  young  in  the  nest,  for 
they  were  old  enough  to  remain  perfectly  quiet. 

On  the  next  visit  to  the  place  the  nest  was  empt^^  and  I 
trust  that  the  young  made  a  safe  getaway.  Later  I  got  the 
nest  and  brought  it  home.  It  is  a  rather  bulky  affair  com- 
pjosed  of  dead  leaves,  the  most  of  which  no  doubt  were  on 
the  ground  and  were  simply  pushed  aside,  while  the  nest 
proper  is  composed  of  wild  grapevine  bark,  grass  and  rootlets 
with  a  lining  of  very  fine  rootlets  and  many  horse  hairs. 

Prof.  Wells  W.  Cooke,  of  the  biological  survey,  in  acknowl- 
edging my  report  says:  "You  are  to  be  congratulated  on 
finding  the  nest  of  the  Kentucky  warbler.  It  is  a  very  rare 
bird  in  northeastern  Ohio.  We  have  probably  six  or  ten 
records  of  it  at  different  times  and  places,  but  no  actual 
finding  of  the  nest. ' ' 

And  here's  a  wish  that  they  may  continue  to  come  and 
multiply  and  spread  over  adjacent  districts  so  that  other 
observers  may  list  them.  And  in  concluding  may  I  suggest 
that  the  casual  observer  look  closely  at  what  he  thinks  are 
i\Iaryland  yellowthroats  that  he  finds  in  the  thick  underbrush 
of  the  woodlands,  and  follow  up  all  "oven-bird"  songs  that 
sound  the  least  bit  off  tune?  I  verily  believe  that  many 
observers  have  missed  the  Kentucky  warbler  on  the  two  above 
suggestions. 


128  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.   88 

SPRING  MIGRATION  (1914)  AT  HOUSTON,  TEXAS. 
By  George  Finlay  Simmons. 

For  several  j'ears  past,  the  writer  has  taken  a  particular 
interest  in  the  migratory  movements  of  the  more  common 
birds  at  Houston,  Harris  County,  in  southeastern  Texas.  Dur- 
ing the  spring  migration  of  1914,  he  made  semi-weekly  one- 
day  trips  into  the  woodlands  and  fields  within  a  mile  or  two 
of  the  city  limits  with  the  special  object  of  ascertaining  as 
near  as  possible  what  relation,  if  any,  existed  between  bird 
migration  at  Houston  and  the  sudden  changes  of  weather  at 
that  point. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  trips  could  not  be  made  each  day 
during  that  season  and  the  exact  dates  of  arrival  and  depar- 
ture ascertained.  But  the  results  obtained  satisfy  the  writer 
that,  as  Prof.  Wells  W.  Cooke  has  already  stated,^  local 
weather  conditions  on  the  day  of  arrival  are  minor  factors  iji 
determining  the  appearance  of  a  species  at  that  place  and 
time,  and  that  the  major  factors  in  the  problem  are  th(3 
weather  conditions  far  to  the  southward,  where  the  night's 
flight  began. 

The  writer  does  find,  however,  that  local  weather  condi- 
tions greatly  affect  the  dates  of  departure  of  our  migrants  for 
their  more  northern  summer  homes,  thus  further  strengthen- 
ing the  theor}^  set  forth  in  the  last  clause  of  the  preceding 
paragraph. 

Faunal  Position. — Harris  County,  of  which  Houston  is  the 
county  seat,  lies  well  within  the  semitropic  or  Gulf  strip  of 
the  Austroriparian  zone  of  southeastern  Texas.  Houston 
lies  on  Buffalo  Bayou  in  the  southeast-central  part  of  the 
county. 

With  very  few  exceptions,  the  notes  were  all  taken  on  the 
south  side  of  Buffalo  Bayou,  a  coastal  prairie  region  Avith  few 
farms  or  ranches ;  the  only  timber  in  this  section  lies  in  strips 
from  a  quarter  to  a  half  mile  Avide  along  Buffalo  and  Bray's 

1  CookP.  "Wells  W.  The  Relation  of  Bird  Jligration  to  the  AA'eather.  Auk, 
Vol.    XXX,    April,    1013,    pp.    1'05-221.      Cf.    first    parag-raph,    p.    20.-,. 


Spring  Migration    (1914)    at  Houston,  Tex.        129 

Bayous,  both  of  which  How  eastward  toward  Galveston  Bay, 
the  latter  skirting  the  city  on  the  south  and  joining  the  former 
a  few  miles  to  the  east.  The  remainder  of  the  country  is 
flat,  uncultivated  prairie,  sprinkled  with  small  ponds  or 
grassy  marshes. 

A  line  drawn  nortli  and  south  through  Houston  Avould  be 
the  center  of  the  United  Stat(^s;  the  city  itself  is  a  little 
south  of  New  Orleans,  Louisiana,  and  St.  Augustine.  Florida, 
and  more  than  200  miles  south  of  California's  southern 
boundary. 

The  majority  of  the  walks  were  taken  in  two  directions; 
the  first  to  the  west  of  the  city  along  the  Buffalo  Bayou 
woods,  the  timber  to  the  right  and  the  prairie  to  the  left,  and 
the  second  to  the  south  of  the  city,  passing  Bray's  Bayou  and 
its  narrow  strips  of  timber  just  after  leaving  Houston,  and 
then  across  the  extensive  prairie  to  Taylor's  Ranch.  Ti/o  miles 
south  of  Houston. 

Weather  Conditions. — It  would  Ix'  far  too  tedious  and  of 
no  especial  value  to  go  into  details  of  the  weather  conditions, 
but  before  the  reader  can  realize  the  truth  of  Prof.  Cooke's 
theories  as  seconded  by  this  paper,  he  must  appreciate  the 
unusual  conditions  Avhich  accompanied  the  migration. 

January  was  4.9°  warmer  than  is  usual  for  this  month,  the 
mean  temperature  being  58°,  with  the  lowest  at  32'  and  high- 
est at  79°. 

February  was  1.4°  warmer  than  is  usual,  tlie  mean  for 
the  month  being  53°.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  this  con- 
dition occurred,  on  seven  days  the  mercury  dropped  suddenly 
to  32°,  on  the  7th  falling  to  24°,  the  coldest  day  of  the  whole 
winter. 

On  the  other  hand,  March  was  4.2°  colder  than  usual,  the 
mercury  ranging  from  36°  to  80°,  with  a  meaDi  of  59°. 

The  mean  temperature  for  April  was  68°,  1.7°  below  the 
general  average;  lowest  38°  and  highest  86°. 

Although  the  winter  was  quite  dry,  the  whole  of  the  migra- 
tion season  was  unusually  rainy,  and  during  the  early  part 
of  May  the  region  was  nearly  flooded  by  the  unusually  heavy 
downpours.     When  one  takes  into  consideration  that,  though 


130  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.   88 

over  50  miles  from  the  Gnlf  of  Mexico,  Houston's  altitude  is 
but  53  feet,  and  that  the  country  is  flat  and  the  drainage 
bad,  one  can  understand  how  unfavorable  to  the  student  of 
birds  were  the  general  weather  conditions.  For  weeks  after 
even  the  slightest  shower  water  stands  in  the  woodlands  and 
on  the  prairies,  making  it  almost  impossible  during  the  rainy 
season  to  leave  the  graded  roads. 

The  Migration. — Houston  lies  in  the  "fly-line"  of  birds 
which  skirt  tiie  western  coast  of  the  Gulf  o£  Mexico,  follow- 
ing the  tropical  and  semitropical  coast  regions  northward, 
and  proceed  up  the  Mississippi  Valley  and  across  the  great 
plains.  Furthermore,  it  catches  many  of  the  migrants 
which  reach  the  ITnited  States  by  flying  across  the  Gulf  of 
]\Iexico.- 

Generally  during  the  last  week  of  Febrviary  migrating 
Blackbirds,  ]\ieadowlarks  and  Graekles  are  observed,  but  this 
year  on  account  of  the  unsettled  condition  of  the  weather  none 
were  noted  until  the  first  of  March.  In  fact,  only  one  migrant 
was  noted  before  March  1,  the  Purple  Martin.  It  Avas  first 
observed  February  22,  but  retreated  immediately  and  was  not 
seen  again  until  the  return  of  real  spring  Aveather,  about 
March  15. 

Though  the  season  was  late  in  commencing,  and  the  weather 
colder  than  usual,  when  it  did  start  it  came  with  a  rush,  for 
the  greater  part  of  the  migrants  arrived  slightly  earlier.  The 
colder  weather  and  excessive  rains,  especially  in  the  early 
part  of  JMay,  seemed  to  have  the  efl^ect  of  detaining  for  a 
longer  period  the  birds  which  summer  north  of  the  region 
under  consideration. 

Few  water  birds  were  noted,  for  I  had  not  the  time  to 
make  extensive  trips  into  the  wilder  sections  of  the  county. 

The  following  list  graphically  illustrates  the  migration  of 
1914  at  Houston,  the  species  being  arranged  according  to  the 
order  of  their  arrival  from  the  south  :^ 

-'  The   onlv   papers   on   the   birds   of   the    region    are: 

Nehrling,  H.  List  of  Birds  Observed  at  Houston,  Harris  County,  Texas, 
and  Vicinity,  and  in  the  Counties  Montgomery,  Galveston  and  Fort  Bend.  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.   VII,   1882,  3  parts. 

Singlev,  .J.  A.  Notes  on  the  Birds  of  Galveston  Island.  Texas  Birds, 
Report    of   Texas    Geol.    Survey,    Austin,    1893,    pp.    3.55-363. 

"■  S.    R.    denotes   summer  resident. 


Spring  Migration   (1914)   at  Houston,  Tex.       131 


Arrival.  Departure. 

Feb.      22.     Purple   Martin S.  B. 

March     1.     Sprague  's  Pipit March  28 

March  14.     Mississippi    Kite S.  R. 

March  14.     Sycamore  Warbler S.  R 

March  15.     Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher S.  R. 

March  21.     Upland  Plover May  7 

March  21.     Swallow-tailed    Kite S.  R. 

March  21.     Crested   Flycatcher S.  R. 

March  21.     Black  and  White  Warbler April  18 

March  21.     Western  Parula  Warbler May  7 

March  21.     Northern   Yellow-throat May   12 

March  21.     Wood   Thrush S.  R. 

March  23.     Scissor-tailed  Flycatcher S.  R. 

March  24.     Chimney   Swift S.  R. 

March  26.     Bank  Swallow May  10 

March  26.     Rough-winged  Swallow May  7 

March  28.     Ruby-throated    Hummingbird S.  R. 

March  28.     Kingbird   S.  R. 

March  28.     Yellow-throated    Yireo S.  R. 

March  28.     White-eyed  Yireo S.  R. 

March  28.     Cerulean    Warbler April   21 

March  28.     Black-throated  Green  Warbler May  16 

March  28.     Hooded  Warbler May  9 

March  28.     Redstart   May  9 

March  29.     Florida    Red-wing S.  R. 

March  29.     Red-eyed    Yireo S.  R. 

March  30.     Cliff  Swallow May   2 

4.     Least  Bittern S.  R. 

4.     Swainson  's  Hawk April  4 

4.     Whippoorwill    ^  . .  .  .  April  11 

4.     Summer   Tanager S.  R. 

4.     Prothonotary  Warbler S.  R. 

4.     Orange-crowned  Warbler May  3 

4.  Yellow-breasted  Chat S.  R. 

5.  Baltimore  Oriole April  11 

11.     Green    Heron S.  R. 

11.     Solitary  Sandpiper May   16 

11.     Wood    Pewee S.  R, 

11.     Orchard    Oriole S.  R. 

11.     Painted  Bunting S.  R. 

11.     Scarlet  Tanager May  2 

11.     Blue-winged  Warbler April  11 

1 1.     Nashville  Warbler May  9 

11.     Kentucky   Warbler May    10 


April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 


132  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  88 

Dcparttire. 

Gliuek-will  's-widow    S.  E. 

Blue  Grosbeak S.  E. 

Magnolia  Warbler May  16 

Barn    Swallow S.  E. 

Worm-eating  Warbler April  15 

Yellow-billed    Cuckoo .  .  .  < S.  E. 

Least  Flycatcher May   10 

Indigo  Bunting May  16 

Yellow  Warbler May  23 

Grinnell  's   Water   Thrush May   9 

Catbird May  10 

Olive-backed  Thrush May  9 

Florida  Nighthawk S.  B. 

Green-crested  Flycatcher S.  E. 

Diekscissel   S.  E. 

Ovenbird    April   19 

Virginia  Eail May  2 

Sora   Eail May   9 

Black  Eail. April  21 

Blaekburnian   Warbler May   2 

Wilson 's  Warbler May   2 

Willow  Thrush May  9 

Bobolink    May  2 

Eose-breasted  Grosbeak April  26 

Chestnut-sided   Warbler April   26 

Maryland    Yellow-throat S.  E. 

Canada  Warbler May   9 

Bay-breasted  Warbler May   2 

White-rumped  Saudi:>iper May  10 

The  following  list  gives  the  M'inter  resident  species  and  the 
dates  on  which  they  were  last  seen : 

Short-eared  Owl March  28 

Fox  Sparrow March  28 

Bewick 's  Wren March  28 

Short-billed   Marsh    Wren March  28 

Brown   Creeper March  28 

Sparrow   Hawk March  29 

Tree    Swallow March  29 

White-rumped    Shrike March  30 

Sapsucker     April  4 

Phoebe    April  4 

Eed-winged   Blackbird April  4 


Arrival. 

April 

3  2. 

April 

12. 

April 

12. 

April 

13. 

April 

15. 

April 

18. 

April 

18. 

April 

18. 

April 

18. 

April 

18. 

April 

18. 

April 

18. 

April 

19. 

April 

19. 

April 

19. 

April 

19. 

April 

21. 

April 

21. 

April 

21. 

April 

21. 

April 

21. 

April 

21. 

April 

26. 

April 

26. 

April 

26. 

May 

2. 

May 

2 

May 

2. 

May 

9. 

Spring  Migration    (1914)    at  Houston,  Tex.        133 

Goldeu-erowned   Kinglet April     4 

Marsh  Hawk April  11 

Slate-eolored   Junco April  11 

White-breasted  Nuthatch April  11 

Hermit    Tliriish April  11 

Northern   Flicker April  26 

White-erowued   Sparrow April  26 

Pipit    April  26 

Brown  Thrasher April  26 

Eobiu    April  26 

Kuby-crowned   Kinglet May     2 

Brewer  's    Blackbird May     3 

White-throated   Sparrow May     3 

Towhee May     3 

Ijark  Bunting May     3 

Myrtle   Warbler May     3 

Western  House  Wren May     3 

REMARKS  ON   CERTAIN    SPECIES  OBSERVED. 

In  the  foregoing  condensed  migration  report  there  are  a 
few  species  that  need  explanation.  In  addition  to  these, 
there  were  species  which  could  not  be  classified.  For  that 
reason  this  section  is  added. 

Several  species  sul)specifically  doubtful  have  not  yet  been 
positively  determined.  Hylocichla  fusccscens  salicicola  might 
be  11.  f.fuscescens  (Veery).  It  is  not  certain  that  Sitta  caro- 
linensis  carolinensis  is  the  form  of  White-breasted  Nuthatch 
that  winters  in  southeastern  Texas,  but  it  is  presumedly  so. 
Gcothlijpis  trichas  trichas  occurs  as  a  summer  resident,  and 
G.  t.  hrachidactyla  as  a  migrant ;  I  watched  carefully  the  sum- 
mer resident  haunts  of  the  bird  and  noted  the  day  it  was 
first  observed  there,  giving  that  date  as  the  arrival  of  G.  t. 
trichas  and  considering  all  other  birds  as  migrants  and  be- 
longing to  G.  t.  hrachidactyla. 

1.  Larus  franllini.  Franklin's  Gull. — April  18  a  scattered  flock  of 
these  Gulls  was  noted  flying  high  overhead  about  a  half  mile  west  of 
the  city.  Eighteen  were  in  sight  at  one  time,  some  moving  northward 
with  slow,  easy  Aving  strokes,  while  others  were  floating,  circling  and 
shifting  back  and  forth.  During  the  course  of  that  day  I  observed 
no  less  than  eighty.  On  the  19th  a  few  more  were  noted  as  they 
passed   over   the   city.     None   were   again   seen   until   ^lay   C,   on   which 


134  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  88 

day  a  flock  of  some  thirty  birds  passed  over  the  city.  A  third  and  last 
flight  was  witnessed  on  May  16,  composed  of  perhajis  seventy  of  these 
graceful  birds. 

2.  Branta  canadensis  Jmtchinsii.  Hutchin's  Goose. — While  walking 
along  a  shell  road  just  west  of  the  city  on  April  18,  I  was  extremely 
surprised  to  observe  a  Goose  of  this  species  fly  up  from  the  prairie  about 
two  hundred  feet  from  the  road  and  go  flapping  off  to  the  south,  at  no 
time  rising  over  fifteen  feet  above  the  ground.  It  was  probably  due 
to  my  careless  method  of  observation  that  I  had  not  observed  the  bird 
before  it  took  wing,  for  the  only  shelter  in  the  prairie  pasture  from 
whence  it  flew  was  the  scattered  growth  of  ' '  sage-brush ' '  hardly  a 
foot  tall. 

Both  B.  c.  canadensis  and  B.  c.  Imtcliinsii  occur  as  migrants  and  are 
not  uncommon  in  winter.  Small  flocks  of  from  ten  to  thirty  birds  passed 
over  the  city  on  various  dates  in  March  and  early  April  (March  3,  9, 
11,  27;  April  4). 

3.  Grus  mexicana.  Sandhill  Crane. — On  March  10  a  flock  of  about 
thirty,  and  on  March  18  a  flock  of  eighteen,  were  noted  as  they  passed 
northward  over  the  western  edge  of  the  city.  On  April  11  I  witnessed 
a  truly  astonishing  flight.  I  was  observing  a  number  of  small  Warblers 
in  a  patch  of  tall  oaks  on  the  edge  of  the  Buffalo  Bayou  Avoods  about  a 
mile  west  of  the  city  limits,  when  my  attention  was  attracted  by  strange 
noises  which  I  could  not  for  the  moment  locate.  And  then  I  discovered 
the  source,  a  flock  of  about  seventy  Sandhill  Cranes  flying  northward 
about  a  hundred  yards  overhead;  following  this  flock  at  a  distance  of 
about  three  hv;ndred  yards  came  a  second  and  larger  flock,  numbering 
perhaps  two  hundred  birds.  Yet  a  third  flock  followed  at  some  distance, 
numbering  approximately   one  hundred  and  twenty  birds. 

4.  Creciseus  jamaicensis.  Black  Kail. — On  April  21,  while  beating 
around  in  the  sedge  and  tall  grass  of  a  tiny  marsh  about  eight  miles 
south  of  Houston,  looking  for  nests  of  the  Louisiana  Clapper  Eail,  I 
nearly  stepped  on  a  small  Eail  which  I  at  first  took  to  be  an  early  downy 
bird  of  the  Clapper  variety.  However,  I  soon  recognized  my  mistake 
and  saw  that  the  bird  was  the  rare  Black  Eail;  it  ran  just  ahead  of  me 
through  the  reeds  and  rushes  for  quite  a  distance,  easily  evading  my 
attempts  to  lay  hands  on  it,  until  the  edge  of  the  marsh  was  reached, 
there  taking  wing  and  flying  about  a  hundred  yards  before  dropping  into 
the  next  marsh. 

The  only  other  record  for  this  region  is  that  of  Dr.  Henry  Nehrliug, 
who  states  that  one  was  taken  April  29,  1879. 

5.  Gallinago  delicata.  Wilson's  Snipe.- — Common  winter  resident  on 
the  wet  prairies  and  rice  fields  of  the  county;  they  began  to  move  north- 
ward about  March  1,  and  were  not  at  all  uncommon  in  suitable  localities 
near  the  city  from  then  until  May  2,  when  the  last  two  birds  were 
observed.     They  were  most  abundant  and  more  distinctly  migrating  on 


Spring  Migration   (1914)   at  Houston,  Tex.       135 

April   18,  when  inimbeis   wei-e   observed   feeding   along  a   shallow   ditch 
just  west  of  Houston. 

6.  Fisohia  maculata.  Pectoral  Sandpiper. — Quite  a  rare  migrant  on 
the  wet  prairies  and  rice  fields,  but  scarce  near  the  city.  Between  March 
7  and  May  2,  a  few  were  noted  feeding  along  the  shillow  ditch  men- 
tioned above,  and  a  few  in  small  flocks  on  the  wet  prairies. 

7.  PiscoMa  fuscicollis.  White-rumped  Sandpiper. — May  9  a  small 
flock  was  noted  on  a  small  stretch  of  prairie  just  northeast  of  the 
city,  and  the  following  day  (May  10)  on  visiting  the  prairie  west  of  the 
city  I  observed  numerous  small  flocks.  That  locality  was  well  within 
the  city  limits  and  but  a  short  distance  from  the  edge  of  the  residence 
district.  Flock  after  flock  passed  and  repassed  me,  their  white  rumps 
standing  out  j^lainly  as  they  wheeled  this  way  and  that. 

8.  Pisobia  mimdiUa.  Least  Sandpiper. — Three  were  observed  April 
18,  in  company  with  a  few  Solitary  Sandpipers  along  the  small  ditch 
previously  mentioned. 

9.  Elanoidcs  forficaius.     Swallow-tailed  Kite;  and 

10.  Ictinia  misisippiensis.  Mississippi  Kite.— These  two  Kites,  though 
listed  as  summer  residents,  should  more  properly  be  stated  to  occur 
irregularly  during  summer,  for  they  are  both  very  rare.  Whenever  noted, 
the  birds  were  seen  singly  and  sailing  rapidly  overhead  on  motionless 
Viings. 

11.  Biilco  phituplerus.  Broad-winged  Hawk.— From  the  few  records 
I  have,  I  can  hardly  state  just  how  the  bird  occurs.  Generally  they  are 
only  noted  during  the  spring  migration,  and  then  only  rarely.  This  year 
(1914)  one  was  noted  on  the  edge  of  the  Buffalo  Bayou  woods  west  of 
the  city  on  March  21,  and  another  in  about  the  same  locality  April  18. 

12.  Asio  wilsonianus.  Long-eared  Owl.— This  year  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  examining  an  odoriferous  specimen  of  this  bird  shot  March  19  in  the 
deep  woods  on  Buffalo  Bayou  a  few  miles  west  of  the  city,  and  called 
to  my  attention  two  days  later  by  the  negro  who  caused  the  avieide, 
though  not  until  the  body  had  been  shorn  of  its  wings  and  consigned  to 
the  scrap  heap.     This  is  my  second  record  for  the  region. 

13.  CJiordeiles  virginianus  chapmani.  Florida  Nighthawk. — The  migra- 
tion of  Nighthawks  during  my  five  years  in  the  vicinity  of  Houston  has 
been  of  particular  interest  to  me  because  of  the  regularity  of  first 
arrivals.  My  belief  that  they  arrive  each  year  on  the  19th  of  April  has 
thus  far  held  true,  on  that  day  a  single  bird  being  seen  as  it  flew  high 
over  the  city.  For  the  first  few  days  they  were  only  noted  by  ones 
and  twos.  And  then  on  the  24th  came  a  closely  packed  flock,  numbering 
about  thirty  birds,  which  flew  low  over  the  city  and  disappeared  to  the 
north.  A  few  days  later  another  such  flock  was  observed.  By  the  last 
of  May  the  last  straggling  migrants  had  passed,  leaving  only  our 
summer  resident  birds. 

14.  CJiaetnra    pclagica.     Chimney     Swift. — My    dates    for    the     first 


136  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  88 

arrivals  of  Chimney  Swifts  at  Houston  for  the  past  four  years  range 
from  March  26  to  30,  averaging  March  29.  This  year  (1914)  two  birds 
were  observed  on  March  24.  The  next  were  noted  on  the  26th,  but  the 
birds  did  not  become  common  until  the  28th;  after  that  they  were  seen 
each  day,  being  common  summer  residents  about  the  city. 

15.  ArcMlochus  colubris.  Euby-throated  Hummingbird. — Prof.  H.  P. 
Attwater  first  observed  the  Hummers  in  his  garden  in  the  city  on  March 
28,  but  it  was  not  until  the  30th  that  I  noted  my  first.  By  April  4  they 
were  fairly  common  and  remained  so  until  about  May  2,  when  the  migra- 
tion apparently  ceased,  leaving  a  very  few  birds  as  rare  and  irregular 
summer   residents. 

16.  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus.  Bobolink. — Houston  does  not  fall  within 
the  ' '  fly-line ' '  of  the  Bobolink,  but  a  few  are  generally  noted  during 
each  migration.  This  year  two  males  were  noted  on  the  edge  of  the 
Buffalo  Bayou  woods  about  a  mile  west  of  the  city  on  April  26.  On 
May  2,  four  males  and  two  females  were  observed  on  the  south  side 
of  the  city. 

17.  Molothrus  ater  ater.  Cowbird. — During  the  winter  months  small 
flocks  are  not  unconnnon  on  the  prairies  near  the  city.  About  March  30 
the  last  wintering  flocks  were  observed,  leaving  only  the  summer  resident 
birds.  Whether  these  summer  birds  are  M.  a.  ater  or  M.  a.  obscurus 
(Dwarf  Cowbird)  has  Aot  yet  been  determined,  though  I  feel  sure  they 
are  the  latter. 

18.  Xanthocepliulus  xanilioceplmlus.  Yellow-headed  Blackbird. — 
Evidently  quite  rare  in  late  years,  for  my  only  record  for  the  past  winter 
and  spring  is  April  5,  when  three  of  these  birds  were  noted  in  a  small 
marshy  spot  near  Webster,  a  station  some  20  miles  from  Houston  in 
the  southeastern  part  of  the  count}'. 

19.  Sturnella  magna  argutuUi.  Southern  Meadowlark. — In  several 
localities  about  the  city  Meadowlarks  are  not  uncommon  all  winter,  and 
though  I  have  not  determined  by  collecting  the  birds,  I  am  convinced 
that  they  are  S.m.  magna,  S.  m.  argutula  and  S.  neglecta,  the  former 
j^robably   predominating. 

March  1  the  first  migrating  Meiulowlarks  were  noted;  during  the  whole 
of  March  flocks  of  considerable  numbers  were  continually  passing  north- 
ward. By  the  end  of  that  month  the  migration  dwindled  and  the  last 
straggling  migratory  flock  was  observed  on  April  4,  after  which  date 
only  the  summer  resident  birds  remained.  Migrants  and  summer  res- 
idents are  S.  m.  argutula. 

20.  Eiiphagus  carolinus.  Eusty  Blackbird. — This  migrant  Blackbird 
seems  to  become  more  common  year  by  year.  First  arrivals  (1914)  noted 
March  1,  after  which  date  they  were  the  most  abundant  of  all  the  birds. 
Throughout  the  month  they  weie  migrating  northward,  and  the  last 
were  observed  April  5.  During  this  period  they  were  abundant  in  flocks 
on  all  prairie  lands,  especially  to  the  west  of  the  city,  where  I  often 


Spring  Migration   (1914)   at  Houston,  Tex.       137 

observed   large    droves   following   plows    in    company   with   the   Brewer's 
Blackbird  and  two  Grackles. 

21.  Qniscalus  quiscula  acncus.  Bronzed  Grackle. — Quite  rare  in 
winter,  arriving  in  large  numbers  with  the  preceding  species  on  March 
1.  Throughout  March  and  early  April  they  were  migrating  through, 
after  which  period  only  the  summer  residents  remained. 

22.  Astragaliiius  iriHtis  tristis.  Goldfinch. — Fairly  common  migrant 
and  not  uncommon  in  winter;  migration  apparently  commenced  about 
March  15  and  ended  April  25,  when  the  last  birds  were  noted.  During 
this  migration  period  the  birds  were  not  uncommon  in  and  about  the 
shade  trees  of  the  city. 

23.  Spinus  pinu-'^.  Pine  Siskin. — Quite  a  scarce  and  irregular  winter 
visitor  in  this  locality.  None  were  noted  from  December,  1913,  to 
March  28,  1914;  on  that  date  a  flock  of  twenty  was  observed  in  a  small 
patch  of  woods  on  the  western  edge  of  the  city.  Later  during  the  day 
three  more  were  noted.  May  9  a  few  were  observed  in  the  woods  on 
Buffalo  Bayou  about  seven  miles  east  of  the  city,  and  on  May  23  a 
flock  of  six  was  noted. 

24.  Pooecetes  gramineus  gramineus.  Yesper  Sparrow. — Abundant 
migrant  and  scarce  winter  resident.  Migration  commenced  March  1,  and 
during  the  whole  of  March  the  birds  were  abundant  in  small  flocks  on 
the  prairies  and  near  the  woods  on  Buffalo  Bayou.  Last  observed 
April  4. 

25.  Passercnhis  sandicichensis  saranna.  Savannah  Sparrow. — 1  was 
under  the  impression  that  both  this  form  and  P.  s.  alaudinus  occurred 
in  this  locality,  but  a  number  of  skins  were  sent  Mr.  Oberholser,  and  he 
kindly  identified  them  for  me  as  P.  s.  savanna. 

Common  migrant.  The  first  were  observed  April  4,  were  common 
during  April  and  were  last  observed  May  2.  They  were  observed  in  the 
newly  planted  shade  trees  of  a  pra'irie  suburb  on  the  western  edge  of 
the  city,  and  were  later  (after  April  4)  observed  on  the  open  prairies 
in  flocks  of  some  numbers. 

26.  Ammodramus  savonnarum  himaculatus.  Western  Graf-shopper 
Sparrow. — On  March  14  Prof.  Huxley  and  myself  observed  for  some 
time  a  small  Sparrow  which  we  could  not  at  the  time  identify,  but  w-hich 
was  later  found  to  be  this  bird.  But  it  was  not  until  May  17  that  I 
really  became  acquainted  with  the  birds;  that  day  Mr.  L  R.  Tannehill, 
an  Ohio  ornithologist,  kindly  accompanied  me  afield  for  the  particular 
purpose  of  ascertaining  whether  or  not  the  birds  occurred  near  Houston. 
I  felt  sure  they  occurred,  but  that  on  account  of  their  inconspicuousness 
I  had  overlooked  them.  Show  them  to  me  he  did,  and  it  did  not  take  me 
long  to  find  them  common  on  all  weedy  prairies  near  the  city,  particularly 
those  to  the  west,  where  they  are  summer  residents. 

27.  Chondestes  grammacuft  strigatus.  Western  Lark  Sparrow. — Com- 
mon summer  resident;  a  few  winter  and  in  migrations  a  few  are  noted  in 


138  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  88 

flocks,  of  Pipits  aud  Vesper  Sparrows,  feeding  among  the  broom  weeds 
on  old  plowed  fields  near  the  edges  of  timber.  Summer  residents  arrived 
March  21,  and  were  apparently  settled  down  and  ready  for  nesting 
March  28. 

28.  Spisclla  passerina  passerina.  Chipjiing  Sparrow. — Scarce  winter 
resident  in  the  vicinity  of  Houston,  and  generally  observed  in  clearings 
and  along  the  edges  of  timber.  Large  flocks  migrating  northward 
during  February  and  March.     Quite  rare  in  April.     Last  noted  May  10, 

29.  Spizella  pusilla  pusilla.  Field  Sparrow. — Not  uncommon  winter 
resident;  small  flocks  migrating  northward  during  March.  Last  observed 
April  18. 

30.  Melospisa  melodia  melodia.  Song  Sparrow.- — A  few  winter  in 
thickets  near  the  city,  but  they  are  very  shy  and  diflieult  to  observe. 
Generally  during  migrations  we  see  large  flocks  as  early  as  February  1 ; 
but  this  year,  on  account  of  the  imusual  cold  of  February,  none  were 
observed  until  March  1.  During  March  scattered  flocks  were  migrating, 
the  birds  being  particularly  common  from  the  Sth  to  the  14th.  A  few 
noted  on  April  11,  and  the  last,  a  flock  of  eight,  on  April  21.  During 
migrations  these  birds  leave  their  usual  haunts  and  arc  soon  in  flocks 
on   the  prairies  near   edges   of   timber. 

31.  Zamelodia  ludm-iciana.  Eose-breasted  Grosbeak. — Two  males  on 
April  26  form  my  only  record  for  this  locality.  They  were  in  a  small 
pear  orchard  of  a  farm  several  miles  west  of  the  city,  and  on  being 
closely  approached  took  refuge  in  a  nearby  thicket. 

32.  Eirundo  erythrogastra.  Barn  Swallow. — This  Swallow  is  listed  in 
the  condensed  migration  report  as  a  summer  resident,  for  the  reason 
that  nearly  every  summer  a  few  are  noted.  This  year  they  were  common 
and  migrating  during  the  latter  part  of  April  and  early  May,  but  none 
were  seen  after  May  30. 

33.  Stelgidopicryx  serripeniiis.  Rough -winged  Swallow. — The  last  of 
these  Swallows  were  noted  May  7.  Though  I  have  heretofore  recorded 
but  few  during  the  summer  months,  I  am  told  by  several  competent 
observers  that  they  occur  cjuite  regularly  and  breed  in  sand  banks  of 
Buffalo  Bayou  and  Galveston  Bay. 

34.  Bombycilla  cedrorum.  Cedar  Waxwing. — None  were  observed  dur- 
ing the  winter  and  I  had  feared  they  were  victims  of  pot  hunters,  when 
on  March  1  I  was  surprised  to  note  a  flock  of  about  fifty  of  these 
birds  in  the  wocds  on  Buffalo  Bayou  west  of  Houston.  On  March  8 
Prof.  J.  S.  Huxley  and  myself  observed  a  flock  of  thirty-five  on  Bray  's 
Bayou. 

On  the  15th  of  March  Mr.  W.  W.  Westgate  and  myself  observed 
numerous  small  companies  in  the  cut-over  timber  lands  on  White  Oak 
Bayou,  north  of  the  city.  Generally  the  birds  Avere  to  be  observed  sitting 
quietly  in  the  topmost  branches,  their  short  tails,  folded  wings  and  crests 
giving  them  a  rather  conical  appearance.     Then  one  would  fly  and  the 


Spring  Migration    (1914)    at  Houston,  Tex.        139 

rest  would  straggle  after,  reminding  us  of  a  flock  of  Bluebirds.  Their 
thin,  beady,  pulsating  notes  (pee-ee-ec-ee-ee,  reminding  one  of  the 
screeching  of  a  bearing  that  needs  a  visit  of  the  oil-can)  were  almost 
continually  heard  while  we  were  in  that  locality. 

During  the  last  of  March  a  few  more  were  observed,  and  a  few  during 
April,  but  rarely.     Last  observed  May  9. 

35.  Naiunis  hiemalis  hiemalis.  Winter  Wren. — On  March  28,  while 
wandering  through  the  woodlands  on  Buffalo  Bayou  about  a  mile  west 
of  the  city,  I  observed  a  single  bird  of  this  species  in  a  tangled  brush 
heap  in  a.  mixed  portion  of  the  woods  where  there  was  nuich  underbrush. 
Though  I  watched  it  for  some  time,  the  bird  w^as  not  heard  to  utter 
a  sound. 

On  visiting  the  locality  April  4  I  again  observed  the  bird,  or  an- 
other of  the  same  species,  and  remained  for  some  time  to  observe  it. 
Finally  it  left  the  brush  heap  and  crept  out  on  an  old  pine  log  nearby, 
and,  much  to  my  surprise,  sang  a  very  pretty  little  song,  reminding  me  of 
the  song  of  the  Ruby-crowned  Kinglet,  though  not  of  such  a  warbling 
nature,  containing  more  trills  and  tinkling  notes. 

3*3.  Polioptila  caerulea  caerulea.  Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher. — To  me  the 
191i  migration  of  Gnatcatchers  was  little  short  of  wonderful.  Hereto- 
fore they  have  been  quite  scarce,  even  during  migrations,  and  were 
always  observed  in  the  tallest  forest  trees.  This  season  they  were 
especially  abundant. 

On  March  15,  while  in  the  cut-over  timber  on  White  Oak  Bayou, 
northwest  of  the  city,  Mr.  Westgate  and  myself  observed  the  first  Gnat- 
catcher  of  the  season.  We  were  watching  a  number  of  Myrtle  Warblers 
feeding,  when  near  at  hand  we  heard  a  familiar  twanging  note,  very 
thin  and  purring,  sounding  like  the  sping  of  a  .22  rifle.  We  soon  located 
the  bird,  a  male,  in  the  branches  of  an  oak  near  at  hand. 

Tliat   afternoon  five  males  and  two  females  were  observed. 

On  March  21  I  walked  westward  from  the  city  along  the  edge  of  the 
timber  which  borders  Buffalo  Bayou  on  the  south.  Gnatcatchers  were 
everywhere,  attracting  attention  by  their  peculiar  call  note.  Anywhere 
and  everywhere  I  observed  them :  in  the  deepest  parts  of  the  woods,  on  the 
lower  branches  of  trees,  on  the  edges  of  clearings  and  woods,  and  even 
on  the  ground.  Numbers  were  observed  on  the  barbed  wires  of  the 
fences  along  the  country  road.  They  were  not  at  all  shy,  frequently 
allowing  me  to  approach  within  two  or  three  feet  of  them.  On  one 
occasion  in  a  small  clearing  in  the  timber  I  was  watching  a  Downy 
Woodpecker  tapping  on  a  dead  bough  in  a  pile  of  brushwood  on  the 
ground,  when  a  pair  of  Gnatcatchers  lit  on  the  brush,  hopped  actively 
about  and  lit  on  the  ground.  As  they  moved  along  on  terra  frma  they 
looked  for  the  world  like  a  pair  of  miniature  Mockingbirds,  their  long 
tails   and  general  color  strengthening  that  impression. 

In  the  distance  of  less  than  two  miles  along  the  old  road  I  observed 


140  Thk  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.   88 

one  hundred  and  ten  of  the  birds,  always  singly  or  in  pairs.  Tliey  were 
never  seen  away  from  timber. 

A  few  more  were  noted  during  the  latter  part  of  the  moutli,  but  by  the 
end  of  March  the  migration  had  apparently  ceased,  leaving  only  a  few, 
a  very  few  birds  as  summer  residents. 

37.  Planesticiis  migratorius  migratorius.  Eobiu. — A  few  Avinter  with 
us,  but  they  are  becoming  scarcer  year  by  year  {via  pots).  Frequent 
the  Avoodlands  along  the  bayous,  Avhere  they  are  very  shy.  On  March  1 
a  flock  of  some  seventy-five  was  observed  just  west  of  the  city,  by  far 
the  largest  tlock  I  have  noted  in  years.  Then  a  few  on  the  21st  and 
28th  of  March  and  the  4th  of  April;  and  on  April  26th  the  last,  two 
lone  birds,   were   observed. 


THE    PINE    SISKIN   BREEDING    IN    IOWA. 
By  W.  J.  Hayward  and  T.  C.  Stephens.* 


The  joy  of  seeing  and  identifying  a  new  bird  is  exciting 
and  satisfying,  but  to  find  a  pair  of  migratory  birds  building 
a  nest  in  a  tree  in  your  front  yard,  when  to  the  best  of  your 
knowledge  the  rest  of  the  species  were  busy  with  this  opera- 
tion in  the  pine  forests  500  or  1,000  miles  to  the  north  of  us, 
is  more  exciting  and  more  interesting.  When  my  young 
neighbor,  Ralph  Whitmer,  called  my  attention  to  a  nest  Mon- 
day, April  13,  1914,  in  a  pine  tree  15  feet  from  his  father's 
front  porch,  1  knew  something  unusual  had  happened  in  bird 
land. 

In  late  February  and  early  March  a  new  bird  song  more 
musical  than  the  Blue  Bird's  contralto  carol  and  more  inspir- 
ing than  the  Robin's  "cheerily,  cheerily,"  had  come  to  me  on 
the  frosty  morning  air.  It  was  a  new  song  to  me,  as  it  not 
only  had  in  it  the  freshness  of  the  first  south  wind  of  spring, 
but  the  tenderness  and  sympathy  of  the  summer  bird  songs 
as  well.  A  half  hour  of  quiet  study  with  field  glass  and  bird 
guide  convinced  me  that  ray  first  harbinger  of  spring  was 
the  Pine  Siskin   (Spinus  pinus).     A  flock  of  twenty-five  or 

*  Part   I   by   INIr.   Hayward,   Part   II   by   Jlr.   Stephens. 


NEST  OF  PINE  SISKIN',  SIOUX  CITY,   IOWA 


142  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  88 

thirty  of  these  small  migrants  greeted  me  for  a  week  or  ten 
days  each  morning  as  I  stood  waiting  for  my  car.  They  Avere 
between  4i/4  and  5  inches  in  length.  The  bird  might  easily 
be  mistaken  for  the  Goldfinch  dressed  in  his  winter  suit,  as 
its  flight  is  very  mnch  like  the  Goldfinch.  But  the  difference 
in  the  song  makes  the  identification  comparatively  easy. 
When  my  young  friend  visited  me  the  evening  of  April  13 
and  told  me  of  the  nest,  I  asked  him  what  the  birds  looked 
like  and  he  said  "summer  canaries."  In  answer  to  my  ques- 
tion regarding  their  feeding  habits,  he  replied  that  they 
seemed  to  eat ' '  pine  cones. ' '  Having  my  interest  thus  aroused, 
I  went  with  him  to  the  Colorado  Blue  spruce  {Picea  pugens) 
tree  in  the  yard  and  near  the  end  of  a  limb  about  nine  feet 
from  the  ground  was  the  nest.  Getting  a  box  upon  which  to 
stand,  I  could  look  over  into  the  nest  and  see  the  bird.  1  had 
no  difficulty  in  satisfying  myself  that  it  was  the  same  bird 
that  had  so  gloriously  entertained  me  two  or  three  weeks  pre- 
viously. I  approached  the  nest  with  my  hand,  pulling  aside 
the  branches,  and  my  hand  was  within  six  inches  of  the  nest 
before  the  young  housekeeper  hopped  to  a  branch  no  more 
than  three  inches  the  other  side  of  her  artistic  home.  This 
lack  of  fear  seemed  to  be  a  characteristic  of  the  bird,  as  she 
would  remain  on  the  nest  when  approached,  no  matter  how 
often,  but,  when  flushed,  would  return  very  promptly  after  the 
intruder  withdrew.  When  the  nest  was  first  discovered  April 
13  it  contained  three  eggs.  These  were  greenish  white,  speckled 
with  reddish  brown.  My  young  friend  placed  a  basin  of  fresh 
water  under  the  tree,  which  both  male  and  female  used  as  a 
bath  tub  and  drinking  fountain.  But  they  were  not  tempted 
by  the  tray  of  bread  crumbs  that  was  invitingly  placed  by 
the  basin  of  water,  seemingly  satisfied  with  the  bill  of  fare 
furnished  by  the  seeds  of  old  and  young  pine  cones  on  the 
tree.  Only  one  of  the  eggs  hatched,  but  this  one  bird  was 
tenderly  reared  and  was  seen  no  more  after  May  5,  Pre- 
sumably it  left  with  its  fond  parents  for  the  far  North  on 
that  date  and  is  now  being  shown  off  to  admiring  relatives 
as  an  example  as  to  just  what  the  delightful  spring  air  of 
Northwest  Iowa  can  do  for  young  Pine  Siskins. 


The  Pine  Siskin  Breeding  in  Iowa  143 

Just  a  word  about  the  eonstriictioii  of  this  unusual  nest. 
It  was  of  the  modern  Ijungalow  type.  The  foundation  was 
rather  loosely  saddled  on  a  pine  bough  about  15  inches  from 
its  tip,  and  consisted  of  dead  pine  twigs  and  pieces  of  dead 
weeds,  grass,  pieces  of  cord  and  roots  were  woven  in  to  bind 
the  foundation  more  securely.  Placed  rather  loosely  upon 
this  was  the  real  living  apartment.  This  was  made  of  finer 
roots,  horse  hair,  and  cotton.  It  was  round  like  the  nest  of 
the  Goldfinch,  but  only  one-half  as  deep.  The  peculiarity  of 
this  nest  was  the  lack  of  connection  between  the  upper  part 
of  the  nest  and  the  lower. 

On  account  of  the  rainy  weather  and  the  overhanging 
branches  of  the  tree,  it  was  impossible  to  see  what  kind  of 
food  was  fed  the  young.  This  we  regret  very  much.  We  both 
are  hoping,  however,  that  this  pair  of  Siskins  found  Iowa  such 
a  hospitable  state  that  they  will  want  to  build  and  breed 
here  next  year,  and  then  Ave  will  endeavor  to  see  just  what 
kind  of  baljy  food  they  recommend. 

II. 

No  Pine  Siskins  had  been  observed  all  winter  (1913-14), 
by  the  present  writer,  until  March  2,  when  four  were  seen 
up  the  Big  Sioux  river,  feeding  on  the  seeds  of  the  common 
sunflower  {Helianthvs  annuus  L). 

They  were  next  noted  on  March  16  on  the  college  campus. 
On  this  date  a  good  sized  flock  was  observed  in  the  pine  trees. 
It  was  observed  that  on  this  date  the  pine  cones  were  opening, 
thus  making  the  seeds  accessible ;  and  upon  these  tlie  Siskins 
were  feeding.  Where  had  they  been  all  winter,  and  how  did 
they  manage  to  reach  this  spot  on  the  very  day  the  pine  cones 
opened  ? 

From  this  time  on,  until  the  third  week  in  ]\Iay,  they  could 
be  seen  daily  in  small  flocks  of  from  three  or  four  to  a  dozen. 
On  April  20  thirty-one  were  counted  in  one  flock,  and  on  the 
23d  this  same  flock  had  increased  to  more  than  fifty  indi- 
viduals. This  large  flock  was  seen  almost  daily  for  about  two 
weeks ;  but  after  May  4  only  scattered  individuals  were  noted, 
the  last  record  being  May  21. 


144  The  Wilsox  Tjulletin  —  No.  88 

]\Ir.  Hayward  was  kind  enough  to  take  me  to  see  the  Pine 
Siskin's  nest  on  April  14,  and  at  that  time  I  verified  his 
account  of  the  behavior  of  the  parent  bird  on  the  nest,  as 
given  above,  as  well  as  his  identification  of  the  species.  It 
was  not  necessary  to  kill  the  bird  to  determine  its  identity. 

After  the  brood  had  departed  he  very  kindly  turned  the 
vacated  nest  over  to  me  for  examination.  A  fuller  description 
of  it  may  be  desirable,  since  but  few  have  had  the  privilege  of 
personal  examination  of  the  nest  of  this  species. 

In  the  available  literature  I  am  able  to  find  a  specific 
account  of  the  finding  of  only  five  nests  (counting  once  the 
report  of  several  nests  by  Simpson,  noted  below). 

Anderson,  in  The  Birds  of  Iowa,  makes  no  suggestion  that 
the  species  may  breed  in  the  state. 

Kumlien  &  Hollister  simply  quote  other  observers  who 
affirm  a  belief  that  it  may  breed  in  Wisconsin.  Cory  adds  no 
information  on  this  point. 

Hatch  leaves  one  to  infer  that  he  had  definite  knowledge 
of  the  breeding  of  this  species  in  northern  Minnesota,  but 
he  is  vague  on  this  point. 

Barrows  points  to  evidence  that  they  were  breeding  in 
Michigan,  but  states  that  no  nest  has  been  found.  Davie  says 
they  breed  in  Michigan. 

Wheaton  thinks  they  may  breed  in  northern  Ohio,  but 
Dawson  says  this  is  still  undetermined.  Bruner,  Wolcott, 
and  Swenk  think  it  may  lireed  in  the  pine  forest  region  of 
northwestern  Nebraska. 

Allen  ^  refers  to  a  nest  having  been  found  at  Cambridge, 
Mass.,  in  May,  1859,  but  I  have  not  been  able  to  locate  the 
original  account. 

Fisher  -  records  the  finding  of  a  Siskin 's  nest  at  Sing  Sing, 
N.  Y.,  on  jNIay  25,  1883,  which  contained  four  eggs.  This 
nest  was  located  in  the  top  of  the  tree,  twenty-four  feet  from 
the  ground.     It  measured  8  cm.  (outside)  by  5  cm.   (depth). 

Allen  ^  gives  a  rather  full  account  of  the  finding  of  a  breed- 
ing pair  of  Pine  Siskins  in  Orange  county,  N.  Y.,  in  the  spring 

'  Auk,   IV,   p.   28G. 

-  Bull.   Nult.    Orn.    Club,   VIII,    p.    180. 

'  Auk,    IV,   p.    284. 


The  Pine  Siskin  Breeding  in  Iowa  145 

of  1887.  A  nest  which  ho  found  in  i^rocess  of  construction  on 
May  3  was  later  deserted.  This  one  was  only  eight  or  ten  feet 
from  the  ground.  However,  by  ^iay  12  another  nest  had  been 
constructed,  and  coutained  four  eggs.  This  nest  was  also  in 
a  Norway  pine,  but  about  thirty-five  feet  high.  This  writer 
also  mentions  the  tameness  of  the  sitting  bird. 

Ralph  and  Bagg  *  record  the  breeding  of  the  Pine  Siskin 
at  Remsen,  N.  Y.,  April  4-9,  1889. 

R.  B.  Simpson  '''  records  the  finding  of  ten  nests  of  this 
species  in  the  hemlock  forests  and  in  the  mountains  of  War- 
ren county,  Pennsylvania,  during  the  spring  of  1912.  These 
nests  varied  in  height  from  10  to  30  feet  from  the  ground. 
The  first  one  was  found  on  April  14;  the  others  on  through 
the  month  of  April. 

One  other  record,  which,  however,  is  over  the  Canadian 
line,  is  descril)ed  by  C.  H.  Morrell  ^  as  being  found  on  jMarch 
29,  1898.  in  Nova  Scotia.  This  author  describes  the  nest 
somewhat  fully,  and  also  mentions  the  bird's  lack  of  fear. 

The  nest  referred  to  in  Mr.  Hay  ward's  paper  possessed  the 
following  dimensions,  although,  it  should  be  noted,  the  meas- 
urements were  taken  after  the  nest  had  been  abandoned  and 
was  in  a  more  or  less  dilapidated  condition.  Outside  diameter, 
90  mm. ;  inside  diameter,  45  nnn. ;  outside  depth,  50  mm. ; 
inside  depth,  10  mm. 

As  Mr.  Hayward  says,  the  upper  part,  or  superstructure, 
was  very  loosely  laid  upon  the  foundation ;  this,  probably, 
is  not  a  general  characteristic. 

The  foundation  of  the  nest  was  rather  loosely  constructed 
of  coarse  pine  twigs,  which  were  interwoven  with  string  and 
some  silk  thread.  Numerous  broken  bits  of  roots  and  stems 
(including  stems  of  the  tumble  weed,  Salsola  Jiali  var.  tcnui- 
folia)  were  used.  The  superstructure  was  composed  of  bits 
of  much  finer  roots  and  stems,  intermingled  with  a  great  deal 
of  some  sort  of  wool  and  human  hair.  More  might  ])e  said  of 
this  latter  component,  because  of  its  rather  unique  occur- 
rence.    The  amount  of  this  material  was  considerable.     Short 

*  Trans.    OneUla    Hist.    Soc,    XII.    lOlJ.    pp.    IG-S.j. 
'  Oologist.   XXIX.   p.   372. 
•"'  Auk,   XVI.   1S99,  p.  2.52. 


146  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.   88 

strands  (40-60  mm.)  of  rather  coarse  gray  hair,  and  longer 
strands  (150-200  nnn.)  of  somewhat  finer  auburn  hair,  seemed 
to  indicate  two  sources  of  material.  There  were  a  very  few 
still  coarser  black  hairs,  which  may  have  been  horse  hairs. 

The  presence  of  this  material  in  the  Pine  Siskin's  nest  is 
of  interest  and  significance.  This  bird  is  accustomed  to  nest 
in  localities  Avhere  such  material  is  probably  not  available. 
We  find  here,  then,  an  instance  of  its  abilit}^  and  readiness 
to  adapt  itself  to  new  surroundings  and  conditions  of 
environment. 

This  pair  of  birds  was  evidently  overtaken  witli  the  breed- 
ing instinct  before  the  bulk  of  the  species  had  moved  north- 
ward from  this  locality.  Finding  a  suitable  site  in  the  spruce 
trees,  no  doubt  accentuated  the  developing  instinct.  Con- 
struction was  begun,  and  a  foundation  of  the  normal  type  wa.s 
built  from  the  pine  twigs.  Then  in  searching  for  the  softer 
material  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  which  included  a  human 
liabitation,  they  came  across  a  supply  of  human  hair,  which 
they  were  able  to  recognize  as  suitable  for  their  purpose. 

There  are,  in  this  instance,  two  notcAvorthy  facts.  The 
establishment  of  a  record  of  the  breeding  of  the  Pine  Siskin 
in  the  state  of  Iowa  ;  and  the  interesting  modifiability  of  habit 
in  response  to  external  conditions. 

Sioux  City,  Iowa. 


THE    WILSON    BULLETIN 


A  Quarterly  Magazine  Devoted  to  the  Study  of  Birds. 
Official  Organ  of  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club. 


Edited  by  LYNDS  JONES. 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  WILSON  ORNITHOLOGICAL  CLUB,  AT  CHICAGO,  ILL. 
Price  in  the  United  States,  Canada  and  Mexico,  one  dollar  a  year,  30  cents  a 
number,  postpaid.  Price  in  all  countries  in  the  International  Postal  Union, 
$1.2.5  a  year,  40  cents  a  number.  Subscriptions  should  be  sent  to  P.  B.  Coffin, 
3232  Groveland  Ave.,   Chicago,  111. 


OFFICERS  FOR  THE  CURRENT  YEAR 

President:     Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens,  Morniugside,  Sioux  City,  Iowa. 

Vice-president:     Geo.  L.  Fordyce,  Youngstown,  Ohio. 

Secretary:     Orpheus  M.  Schantz,  5215  West  24th  St.,  Cicero,  111. 

Treasurer :     P.  B.  Coffin,  3232  Groveland  Ave.,  Chicago,  111. 

Editor  "The  Wilson  Bulletin";  Lynds  Jones,  Spear  Laboratory,  Ober- 
lin,  Ohio. 

Business  Manager:  Edw.  R.  Ford,  1100  Great  Northern  Building, 
Chicago,  111. 


EDITORIAL 

Remember  the  second  annual  meeting  of  tlie  Wilson  Ornithological 
Club,  which  will  be  held  in  Chicago,  Illinois,  on  December  29  and  30, 
1914.  The  first  opportunity  for  a  gathering  of  ornithologists  in  the 
central  part  of  the  United  States  was  presented  at  the  1890  American 
Association  for  the  Advancement  of  Science  held  at  Indianapolis.  The 
writer  attended  that  meeting,  where  he  met  Mr.  O.  Widmann,  Dr.  B.  W, 
Evermann,  Dr.  A.  W.  Butler,  Dr.  Morris  Gibbs  and  others.  The  next 
opportunity  was  offered  in  February,  1914,  at  Chicago,  when  we  met  last 
spring.  We  ought  to  make  this  tliird  opportunity  count  big  by  planning 
now  to  attend. 


In  anticipation  of  the  Chicago  meeting,  plan  to  present  a  paper.  Send 
the  title  to  the  chairman  of  the  program  committee,  Lynds  Jones, 
Oberlin,  Ohio,  not  later  than  December  1,  but  as  soon  as  you  can.  Plan 
to  place  these  papers  in  the  hands  of  the  editor  for  publication  in  the 
Wilson  Bulletin,  to  be  published  after  the  meeting. 


148  Thk  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.   88 

There  are  large  mimhers  of  oiuithologists  througliout  the  central  dis- 
tricts of  the  United  States  who  are  not  now  affiliated  with  any  organiza- 
tion but  who  ought  to  be  for  their  own  sakes.  Such  persons  would 
probably  be  glad  to  join  our  Club  if  its  existence  and  aims  were  made 
known  to  them.  Be  a  missionary  and  help  all  such  known  to  you  to  find 
themselves  among  our  number  this  year. 


There  are  too  few  short  field  notes.  As  the  Wilson  Bulletin  grows 
this  lack  ought  to  be  supplied.  It  is  an  easy  matter  to  write  up  a 
short  account  of  some  happening  worth  recording,  as  compared  with 
preparing  an  article  of  some  length.  If  written  at  the  time  of  the 
happening,  in  first  draft  form  or  in  permanent  form,  the  thing  is  done. 
Trv   it. 


We  regret  to  have  to  say  that  on  account  of  the  Pan-European  war 
Eev.  W.  F.  Heuninger's  work  on  the  Ne-arctic  Ornis  will  be  indefinitely 
postponed.  The  first  part  was  about  ready  for  mailing  when  the  war 
began.  Mr.  Henninger  has  our  sincere  sympathy  in  this  bitter  disap- 
pointment. 


TO  MEMBERS  OF  THE  WILSON  ORNITHOLOGICAL  CLUB: 

The  next  meeting  of  the  Club  will  be  held  in  Chicago  on  Tuesday  and 
Wednesday,  December  29th  and  30th.  It  is  probably  not  possible  to 
select  a  date  suitable  to  every  one,  but  we  have  done  the  best  we  could 
do,  taking  all  things  into  account. 

Now,  we  hope  this  will  be  a  great  meeting,  and  things  even  now  point 
to  a  large  attendance.  Last  spring  we  had  a  very  good  meeting,  without- 
very  long  notice  in  advance.  This  year  the  notice  is  ample,  and  we  hope 
that  every  one  will  plan  to  attend  who  possibly  can  do  so. 

In  the  meantime  cannot  each  member  do  a  little  toward  strengthen- 
ing our  membership?  It  is  our  liojie  to  greatly  increase  our  member- 
ship before  the  next  meeting.  Will  each  member  try  to  secure  at  least 
one  or  two  new  members,  and  send  to  the  officers  the  names  of  others 
who  may  be  solicited? 

We  need  a  larger  membership  in  order  to  publish  a  larger  Bulletin. 
Cooperation  at  this  time  will  mean  a  great  deal  to  the  future  of  the  Club. 

Sincerely  yours, 

T.  C.  Stephens. 


Field  Notes  149 


FIELD  NOTES 

Ax  Experience  Wrn£  a    Florida  Gallixule. 

On  or  about  the  twelfth  of  last  May  I  beard  of  a  strange  bird  that 
was  in  a  certain  grocery  store  window.  Being  naturally  curious  I 
thought  I  would  stop  in  and  see  it.  The  grocer  was  not  acquainted  with 
the  binl  and  was  not  able  to  find  any  more  definite  name  for  it  than  that 
it  was  a  green  legged  snipe.  I  myself  had  never  seen  a  gallinule  but  I 
knew  at  first  glance  that  it  belonged  to  the  same  family  as  the  coot,  which 
bird  1  was  quite  familiar  witli  in  some  of  his  northern  Iowa  breeding 
grounds. 

I  got  out  my  Chapmans  and  Eeed's  and  easily  placed  him  with  his 
proper  name.  This  incident  occurred  in  Des  Moines,  la.  The  breeding 
ground  of  the  gallinule  is  in  Minnesota  and  the  Dakotas.  This  par- 
ticular species,  the  Florida  gallinule,  is  never  found  in  this  territory 
except  on  its  yearly  migrations. 

The  bird  was  found  tangled  up  in  some  barb  wire  fence  about  a  mile 
from  a  river  in  a  more  or  less  populated  portion  of  the  city.  My  assump- 
tion is  that  the  bird  in  flying  strayed  a  little  lower  than  its  comrades 
and  thus  met  its  fate.  It  had  the  characteristic  slate  color  of  the  family, 
the  legs  were  a  bright  green  with  a  reddish  tinge  on  the  upper  part  of  the 
femur,  the  bill  and  nose  plate  were  red,  except  for  about  one-half  an  inch 
of  yellow  on  the  tip  of  the  bill.  This  latter  point  or  characteristic  was 
probably  an  anomaly.  This  is  true  of  the  Purple  gallinule  but  not  of 
the  Florida.  The  serrated  edging  of  white  along  the  lower  margin  of  the 
wings,  together  with  the  reddish  upper  femur,  distinguished  it  as  the 
Florida  rather  than  the  Purple,  which  it  so  closely  resembles.  I  have 
found  these  differences  and  variations  in  the  color  of  the  mandibles  of 
water  birds  to  be  quite  common. 

The  fact  that  these  birds  fly  at  night,  and  being  as  they  are  by  nature 
weak  flyers,  probably  accounts  for  the  strange  situation  in  which  he 
was  found. 

I  paid  the  sum  of  fifty  cents  for  the  bird,  took  it  to  the  zoology 
department  at  Drake  University,  where  we  caged  it  and  kept  it  under 
observation  while  it  recovered  from  its  unusual  experience. 

At  first  he  was  very  tame  and  made  no  fuss  at  being  handled,  but 
soon  he  became  restless  and  it  became  a  problem  what  to  do  with  his 
Floridaship,  The  bird  thrived  on  angle  worms  but  ate  cracked  corn 
when  there  Avas  nothing  better. 

When  school  closed  the  tenth  of  .lune,  I  carried  him  in  a  yeast  foam 
box  a  distance  of  about  two  hundred  miles  north  to  the  Iowa  City  Lake- 
side Laboratory  at  Lake  Okoboji.  Here  I  tethered  him  out  on  the  shore 
by  a  string  about  twenty  feet  long.     He  seemed  quite  content  with  his 


150  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  88 

lot  and  spent  liis  time  feeding  amongst  the  seaweed  and  drift  on  the 
water's  edge.  Tliere  were  a  number  of  Scaup  du<'ks  nesting  in  the 
vicinity  who  manifested  considerable  curiosity  and  decoyed  to  within  a 
few  yards  of  a  number  of  us  who  were  woi'king  on  the  shore.  They 
seemed  not  to  understand  why  their  friend  was  so  reckless.  At  night  I 
often  found  them  together. 

And  now  I  come  to  the  end  of  my  gallinule  's  experience.  One  night 
a  strong  wind  came  up  from  the  northwest,  the  little  box  that  had 
served  as  a  shelter  Avas  blown  away  and  the  next  morning  I  found  him 
beating  against  the  shore  dead.  I  examined  his  wing  and  found  one  of 
the  wing  tips  to  have  been  injured  in  a  way  that  would  have  left  him 
unable  to  ever  again  Ay  for  any  distance. 

I  have  since  found  this  summer  that  the  gallinule  nests  here  in 
northern  Iowa,  and  after  Matching  the  flight  of  the  bird  I  figured  that  the 
accident  to  the  bird  Avas  a  very  natural  one.  Their  flight  Mhile  rapid 
is  very  low,  especially  is  this  true  when  flying  over  water. 

Milford,  la.  Arthur  F.  Smith. 

Miniature   Earthquake. 

A  few  days  ago,  while  cutting  the  upper  limbs  oif  a  large  Ijurr  oak 
tree,  we  barely  missed  wrecking  a  whole  family  of  wrens.  On  one  of 
the  lower  branches  was  a  small  bird  house,  in  which  a  pair  of  wrens  were 
nesting.  They  seemed  not  to  mind  the  noise  of  a  couple  of  saws  grinding 
away  above  them  but  went  on,  totally  oblivious  of  noise,  feeding  the 
young  and  taking  turns  singing  from  the  roof  of  their  little  domicile. 

All  went  Avell  until  an  accident  occurred,  as  accidents  so  often  do.  The 
branch  that  we  had  figured  on  falling  a  certain  Avay  naturally  fell  the 
other  Avay;  the  bird  house  Avas  hea\'ed  from  its  bearings,  spun  through 
the  air  some  twenty  feet,  coming  to  the  ground  with  a  thud. 

I  ran  over  to  it,  lifted  the  bottom  off,  pulled  out  the  tAvigs  which 
formed  the  nest,  being  careful  not  to  spoil  the  pocket  of  the  nest.  There 
were  six  young,  barely  a  Aveek  old;  they  Avere  not  actiA'e  enough  to  tell 
whether  they  had  been  injured  or  not.  The  old  bird  who  Avas  Avith  them 
acted  as  though  she  had  taken  her  last  flight  and  Avas  ready  to  give  up 
the  fort.  When  she  saw  the  crowd  around  her  she  essayed  to  fly,  but 
her  head  was  evidently  still  whirling  in  such  a  way  that  she  could  not 
balance.  I  placed  her  back  on  the  nest,  put  the  nest  back  in  the  house 
and  put  the  house  on  a  porch  roof  some  thirty  feet  awaj'  at  about  the 
same  height  from  the  ground. 

The  mate  to  the  injured  one  soon  came  back  with  a  grub  in  its  mouth, 
hopped  all  around  the  old  nest  site  for  some  Aa'c  minutes,  then  suddenly 
he  recognized  the  house,  Avhieh,  by  the  way,  he  was  within  three  feet  of 
seA-eral  times,  for  in  his  excited  flying  he  would  land  on  the  edge  of  the 
porch  where  he  had  been  accustomed  Avithout  seeing  anything,  but  sitting 
at  the   old  nest   site   he   recognized  his   old  home   and   without   further 


Field  Notes  151 

adieu  he  flew  across,  went  straight  up  to  tlie  liouse  and  walked  in.  A 
few  niihutes  and  the  two  old  birds  came  out  and  calmly  went  for  either 
food  for  the  young  or  perhaps  herbs  to  cure  seasickness. 

Several  days  have  elapsed  and  the  birds  still  continue  to  take  regular 
trips  with  food.  We  are  of  the  opinion  that  the  wren  family  has  not 
been  wiped  out  througli  its  fifteen-foot  flight  on  the  perpendicular. 

Milford,  la.  Arthur  F.  Smith. 

Bay  Point.  Ohio,  Migration  Notes.     1914. 

Bay  Point  is  a  low,  sandy  bar,  extending  a  mile  and  a  half  toward  the 
city  of  Sandusky  from  the  southeastern  corner  of  the  Peninsula  upon 
Avhich  Lakeside  and  Marblehead  are  built.  It  is  in  the  direct  line  of 
the  southward  migrations  of  the  birds  which  cross  lake  Erie  by  the 
Point  Pelee,  Pelee  Island,  Middle  Island,  KeUeys  Island,  and  Marblehead 
Peninsula  route.  The  waters,  or  shores,  of  Sandusky  Bay  and  the  San- 
dusky Eiver,  which  flows  into  the  bay,  continue  the  route  southward. 

The  seven  weeks  between  June  26  and  August  14,  1914,  were  spent 
within  easy  access  to  this  point,  and  daily  studies  of  the  birds  found 
there  were  made.    Frequent  visits  were  also  made  to  it  during  July,  1913. 

In  1913  the  first  migration  noted  was  on  July  11th,  when  Least  Sand- 
pipers, Semipalmated  Sandpipers,  Yellowlegs  and  Semipalmated  Plovers 
were  found  on  the  beach.  On  the  12th  a  cloud  of  Bank  Swallows  passed 
over  the  Point  on  their  way  southward.  The  great  majority  of  them 
came  directly  from  the  direction  of  Marblehead  Lighthouse  and  passed 
up  the  bay  along  the  western  shore.  In  1914  the  first  migrants  appeared 
on  June  29 — a  Black-bellied  Plover  in  fuU  dress.  When  he  was  flushed, 
he  flew  up  the  bay.  On  July  3rd  there  were  three  Least  Sandpipers  on 
the  beach.  They  were  next  noted  on  the  9th,  and  nearly  every  d;iy  until 
our  departure — August  14.  Three  Semipalmated  Plovers  arrived  on  July 
3,  with  three  Baird  's  Sandpif)ers,  and  were  regular  feeders  there  during 
our  stay,  occasionally  increased  in  numbers  up  to  a  dozen  of  each 
species.  A  Dowitcher  came  to  the  beach  on  July  14,  in  the  afternoon, 
and  was  seen  there  on  the  loth,  22d,  23d  and  24th.  The  flrst  Caspian 
Terns  came  on  July  17,  and  were  there  every  day  afterward.  There  Avere 
three  at  first,  but  they  gradually  increased  to  the  maximum  of  16  on 
August  2.5,  when  a  brief  visit  was  made  to  the  Point.  The  first  Semi- 
palmated Sandpipers  came  on  July  16,  the  Yellowlegs  on  the  22d,  the 
first  Pectoral  Sandpipers  on  the  24th,  and  the  first  Solitary  on  the  24th. 

On  July  17  a  Stilt  Sandpiper  visited  the  Point,  A  capture  was  not 
made,  but  the  bird  was  feeding  in  a  shallow  lagoon  just  outside  the 
line  of  vegetation  which  bordered  the  bare  sand  beach,  and  permitted 
an  approach  within  three  rods.  There  was  no  mistaking  the  barred 
under-parts,  the  long  slendet  legs,  and  the  habits  which  I  had  carefully 
studied  in  Iowa  in  the  summer  of  1913.  The  bird  was  with  Spotted 
Sandpipers  and  Piping  Plovers. 


152  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  88 

It  Avas  clear  that  Bay  Point  is  the  favorite  gathering  plaoe  of  the 
Caspian  Terns,  and  that  the  few  individuals  which  have  hitherto  been 
seen  in  the  vicinitj'  of  Cedar  Point  and  the  east  Sandusky  marshes  were 
birds  that  had  wandered  from  here.  Taken  all  in  all,  Bay  Point  is  a 
far  more  favorable  place  to  observe  the  southward  migrations  than 
Cedar  Point. 

Lyxds  .Joxes. 

The  Golden  Winged  Warbler  in  Central  Iowa. 

In  Anderson's  "Birds  of  Iowa"  practically  all  of  the  records  of  this 
species  are  from  the  eastern  part  of  the  state.  To  these  I  would  like  to 
add  two  records  for  central  Io\^a.  Both  of  these  were  made  in  Marshall 
County  along  the  Iowa  Eiver.  The  first  record  was  May  24,  1J»1.3,  when 
an  adult  male  was  taken  out  of  a  dense  hawthorne  and  wild  crab  thicket. 
I  caught  just  a  glimpse  of  him  and  then  hunted  for  more  than  an  hour 
before  I  finally  succeeded  in  securing  it. 

The  other  record  was  on  May  11,  12,  and  13,  1914.  The  11th  and  12th 
were  cloudy  and  cold  following  warm  weather.  One  male  Golden-wing 
was  found  about  a  small  sheltered  spring  during  these  three  days.  He 
could  be  found  almost  any  time  during  the  day  and  was  never  more 
than  a  few  yards  away.  It  was  presumably  the  same  bird,  as  it  was 
always  found  in  company  of  two  Chestnut-sided  Warblers. 

Ira  N.  Gabrielsox. 

A  Wren  Incident. 

On  Saturday,  May  1(3,  a  couple  of  my  friends  went  on  an  over  Sun- 
day camping  trip  up  the  Iowa  Eiver.  They  pitched  their  tent,  and  in 
disposing  of  their  coats  hung  one  of  them  on  a  small  thorn  apple  tree. 
Sunday  a  wren  appeared  and  seemed  to  be  quite  fascinated  by  the  pos- 
sibilities of  that  coat.  My  friends  placed  a  few  bread  crumbs  on  the 
coat  sleeve  and  the  bird  soon  found  them.  A  little  later  it  commenced 
to  investigate  the  pockets  and  scramlpled  about  through  all  vi  tliem.  in- 
cluding a  large  game  pocket. 

It  finally  decided  on  the  pocket  to  be  preferred  as  a  nesting  site  and 
commenced  to  clean  out.  This  pocket  happened  to  contain  cartridges 
for  a  22-caliber  rifle  and  the  Avren  was  seen  to  carry  thirt.v-uine  of  them 
out  of  it.  Some  of  them  were  simply  pushed  out  over  the  edge  of  the 
pocket  while  others  were  carried  some  distance  from  the  coat  before 
being  dropped  into  the  grass.  The  bird  worked  industriousl.v  until  every 
cartridge  was  out  of  the  pocket  and  then,  after  scratclwng  around 
vigorously,  proceeded  to  carry  sticks  and  straw  into  tlie  pocket  and 
built  a  nest. 

Unfortunately  operations  had  to  be  suspended  at  this  point,  as  the  coat 
vvas  needed  for  the  return  trip  to  town. 

Ira  N.  Gabrielsox. 


Reviews  of  Publications  153 


REVIEWS  OF  PUBLICATIONS 

THE  BIRDS  OF  NOETH  AND  MIDDLE  AMERICA. 

Part  VI.     By  Robert  Ridgavay. 

The  sixth  part  of  this  monumental  work  comprises  the  Picariae  with 
the  families  Picidae  (152  forms),  Capitonidae  (4  forms),  Ramphastidae 
(14  forms),  Galbulidae  (3  forms),  Bucconidae  (13  forms),  the  Aniso- 
daetylae  with  the  families  Alcedinidae  (10  forms),  Todidae  (6  forms), 
Momotidae  (20  forms),  Caprimulgidae  (39  forms),  Nyetibiidae  (5 
forms)  and  the  Striges  with  the  families  Tytonidae  (9  forms)  and 
Bubonidae  (94  forms).  Quite  a  number  of  new  forms  are  here  given 
for  the  first  time  and  many  critical  remarks  on  already  diagnosed  forms 
are  made.  For  instance  in  regard  to  the  further  subdivision  of  the 
genus  Centurus  among  the  Picidae.  When  it  is  stated  that  the  forms 
of  Dryohatcs  villosus  and  pitbescens,  of  Colaptes  cmratus  of  Phl(x:otomus 
pileatus  show  a  gradual  increase  in  size  from  Florida  northward  with- 
out any  material  change  in  coloration  one  is  inclined  to  ask  has  the 
naming  of  all  these  forms  a  practical  value  besides  the  mere  scientific 
value?  A  great  deal  depends  of  course  upon  the  point  of  view  in  such 
cases,  but  Avhen  it  comes  to  being  a  science  for  science's  sake  only,  when 
the  scientific  and  the  practical  are  thus  separated  Ave  are  inclined  to  ask, 
"cui  bono?"  On  the  other  hand,  some  of  these  iwoblems  must  be  solved 
along  these  lines,  and  no  man  is  better  able  to  solve  them  than  Professor 
EidgAvay,  the  distinguished  author  of  this  work.  It  is  interesting,  too, 
to  notice  the  different  views,  which  for  instance  Professor  Eidgway  and 
Dr.  A.  Reichenow,  express  in  their  respective  works  about  such  a  family 
as  the  Striges.  Space  forbids  us  to  enter  upon  any  details,  but  a  care- 
ful study  of  both  authors  will  show  that  either  view  has  some  points  in 
its  favor,  and  that  Dr.  Reichenow 's  ideas  cannot  be  disposed  of  with  a 
few  remarks,  as  was  done  in  the  review  of  his  work  in  the  Auk  some 
time  ago,  which  only  showed  and  proved  that  the  reviewer  had  not  in 
the  least  understood  the  fundamental  principle  of  Dr.  Reichenow 's  classi- 
fication, and  in  his  ignorance  of  the  case  had  simply  scjuelched  its  merits. 
Cryptoglaux  acadicus  scotaeus  is  considered  an  individual  variation  of 
acadicus  proper,  and  Otiis  fammeohts  idohocnsis  is  referred  to  flam- 
meolus,  and  Otus  xantnsi  is  made  a  subspecies  of  asio,  and  we  think  in 
every  case  that  Mr.  Ridgway  is  correct.  The  same  principle  will  per- 
haps apply  to  Glmicidium  gnoma  hosMnsii,  which  applies  to  Cryptoglaux 
acadicus  scotaeus.  Altogether  Mr.  Ridgway  is  to  be  congratulated  upon 
the  completion  of  this  volume,  and  we  hope  that  the  other  parts  will 
speedily  follow.  W.  F.  H. 


154  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  88 

THE    BIRDS    OF    VIRGINIA. 

By  Harold  H.  Bailey. 

This  neat  and  attractive  volume  of  362  pages  treats  of  the  breeding 
birds  of  the  great  state  of  Virginia,  practically  all  of  which  have  been 
hunted  up  and  critically  recorded  by  the  author  and  his  father.  One 
huntired  and  eight  generally  good  halftones  from  various  sources  accom- 
pany the  text,  as  also  fourteen  full  page  colored  plates  by  Mr.  Earl  L. 
Poole,  of  Philadelphia.  We  have  seen  some  of  the  original  paintings 
of  this  young  artist  and  do  not  hesitate  to  declare  that  they  are  both 
highly  artistic  and  scientifically  correct,  and  absolutely  equal  to  the  best 
which  have  been  produced  in  this  country,  and  we  have  seen  the  paintings 
of  them  all.  The  text  is  carefully  written  and  shows  that  Mr.  Bailey, 
who  is  an  ardent  Oologist,  has  put  his  knowledge  acquired  in  watching 
the  nesting  habits  of  the  birds  to  good  use,  and  is  a  splendid  protector 
of  the  feathered  tribe,  as  every  true  Oologist  should  be.  We  regret  that 
he  has  not  added  a  short  list  of  all  the  birds  recorded  in  the  state,  and 
that  he  has  not  used  the  metric  system  in  giving  measurements  of  eggs. 
We  can  highly  recommend  this  pleasing  volume  to  all  who  love  to  read 
about  and  study  the  birds  in  their  haunts.  W.  F.  H. 

A  Monograph  of  the  Genus  Chordeiles  Swainsou,  Type  of  a  new  Family 
of  Goatsuckers.  By  Harry  C.  Oberholser.  U.  S.  National  Museum 
Bulletin  86.     1914. 

The  author  seems  to  have  made  out  a  good  case  for  the  addition  of  a 
new  family  to  North  American  birds.  He  has  evidently  gone  into  the 
subject  deeply  and  spared  no  pains  to  prove  his  case.  The  same  seems  to 
hold  for  the  erection  of  a  new  genus  to  separate  the  Wliippoorwills  from 
the  Chuch-wills-widow  group.  The  paper  is  thorough  in  treatment  and 
is  nearly  the  last  word  as  related  to  the  Goatsuckers.  There  are  still  a 
few  forms  whose  winter  distribution  is  not  known.  L.  J. 

A  Distributional  List  of  the  Birds  of  Arizona.  By  Harry  S.  Swarth. 
Pacific  Coast  Avifauna  No.  10.  Published  by  the  Cooper  Ornitho- 
logical Club,  May  25,  1914. 

There  are  here  included  362  species  and  subspecies,  grouped  as  152 
resident,  72  summer  visitant,  57  winter  visitant,  30  transient,  51  of 
casual  occurrence,  and  a  hypothetical  list  of  24.  The  large  number  of 
resident  sjjecies  is  explained  as  due  to  the  fact  that  many  species  which 
are  truly  migratory  merely  migrate  from  a  higher  to  a  lower  altitude 
but  do  not  leave  the  state.  A  colored  map  of  the  state  is  a  great  help. 
The  paper  closes  with  lists  of  species  grouped  according  to  fauual  regions, 
and  with  a  voluminous  bibliography.  This  contribution  is  in  every  way 
the  equal  of  other  numbers  of  this  valuable  series  of  papers.  L.  .1. 


Reviews  of  Publications  155 

TJie  Birds  of  El  Paso  (Jounty,  Coloritdo.  I  and  II.  By  Chailos  K.  H. 
Aiken  aud  Edward  E.  Warren.  Colorado  College  Publications,  Gen- 
eral Series  Nos.  74,  75,  76.  May,  Jnne-Septeniber,  1914. 
The  life  zones  included  in  this  county  are  Upper  Sonoran,  Transition, 
Canadian,  Hudsonian,  and  Ai'ctic-Alpine.  Lists  of  the  birds  which  are 
peculiar  to  these  several  zones  are  given.  A  history  of  the  work  <lone  in 
the  county  is  given,  the  climate  is  described,  and  the  altitudes  given. 
The  birds  are  divided  according  to  occurrence  as  resident  throughout  the 
year,  46  species;  summer  residents,  84  species;  breeding  birds  which 
occasionally  winter,  7  species;  non-breeding  birds  which  winter,  28 
species;  non-breeding  birds  which  pass  through  in  migration,  52  species; 
non-breeding  birds  of  occasional  occurrence,  51  species;  exterminated 
species,  3;  introduced  species,  4,  making  a  grand  total  of  275  species. 
There  are  many  good  halftone  pictures  from  photograjihs,  and  in  the 
treatment  of  the  species  in  the  body  of  the  paper  the  annotations  are 
interesting  and  valuable.  This  ]iaper  is  a  distinct  contri])ution  to  local 
ornithology.  L.  .J. 

The  Birds  of  Waukesha  County,  Wisconsin.  By  Alvin  R.  Cahn.  Bul- 
letin of  the  Wisconsin  Natural  History  Society,  Vol.  XI  ( Xew 
Series),  No.  4,  December,  1913.  Pages  113-149. 
A  good  map  of  the  county  makes  clear  the  great  number  of  lakes 
which  it  contains,  and  the  large  amount  of  swampy  area.  It  would  have 
helped  to  have  also  indicated  the  tamarack  areas.  A  description  of  the 
topography  of  the  county  and  an  account  of  the  work  done  upon  which 
the  list  is  based,  wnth  acknowledgements,  is  followed  by  the  annotated 
list  of  202  species,  8  of  which  are  given  as  hypothetical.  There  are  15 
Residents,  7  Winter  residents,  69  Summer  residents,  79  Migrants,  11 
Migrant  and  summer  residents,  7  Migrants  and  winter  residents,  aud  6 
Eare  visitants.  These  various  groups  are  given  in  separate  lists  in  a 
recapitulation  at  the  close  of  the  paper.  The  author  has  evidently  taken 
pains  to  make  certain  of  the  identification  of  each  species  before  giving 
it  place.  In  this  he  is  to  be  commended.  There  are  four  good  halftone 
plates  from  photographs,  each  plate  containing  two  pictures.  Probably 
the  author  is  not  responsible  for  the  capitalization  of  the  part  of  the 
compound  words  which  follows  the  hyjihen.  This  is  consistently  done 
throughout  the  paper.     We  are  glad  to  have  this  faunal  local  list. 

L.  .1. 

The  Eed-winged  Blackbird:    A  Study  in  the  Ecology  of  a  Cat-tail  IMarsh. 
By   Arthur   A.   Allen.     From   Abstracts   of    Proceedings,   Linnaean 
Society  of  New  York.    Nos.  24-25,  1911-13.    Pages  41-128. 
We  have  seen  few  jjapers  which  can  compare  with  this  one  in  thor- 
oughness of  the  work  done,  interpretation  of  the  facts  gathered,  arrange- 
ment of  the  material,  selection,  and  makeup.     The  numerous  halftones 
from  photographs  are  not  only  unif(n-mly  good,  but  tiiey  tell  something 


156  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  88 

worth  recording.  It  is  not  possible  to  begin  to  do  justice  to  this  paper 
in  the  space  at  our  disposal.  Everybody  who  is  at  all  interested  in  the 
side  of  bird  study  illustrated  by  this  paper  ought  to  possess  a  copy. 
We  hope  that  there  are  plenty  of  them  to  be  had.  L.  J. 

On  the  Habits  and  Behavior  of  the  Herring  Gull,  Larus  argentatus 
Pont.  By  E.  M.  Strong.  From  "The  Auk,"  Vol.  XXXI,  January  and 
April,  1914.     Pp.  23-49,  178-199. 

This  paper  is  based  on  studies  carried  on  among  the  breeding  colonies 
of  these  gulls  upon  the  islands  in  Green  Bay,  Wisconsin.  The  limits 
of  this  review  preclude  anything  like  an  adequate  treatment  of  this 
excellent  paper.  The  field  studies  are  supplemented  by  painstaking  inves- 
tigations in  the  laboratories  of  the  University  of  Cliicago.  The  jiictures 
— halftones  from  pliotographs — are  carefully  chosen  and  each  one  has 
its  peculiar  contribution  to  make  to  the  paper.  There  is  little  left  to  be 
desired  in  the  field  which  this  paper  covers.  If  a  similar  study  of  the 
winter  habits  of  these  gulls  could  be  as  carefully  done  we  should  then 
know  about  all  of  the  life  history.  L.  J. 

PUBLICATIONS  RECEIVED. 

A  Further  Study  of  the  Home  Life  of  the  Brown  Thrasher — Toxos- 
toma  rufum  Linn.  By  Ira  N.  Gabrielson.  From  the  Proceedings  of  the 
Iowa  Academy  of  Science  for  1913.    Pp.  299-304. 

A  Heronry  near  Indianapolis.     Pp.  57-58. 

Further  notes  on  Indiana  Birds.     Pp.  59-65. 

Birds  that  Destroy  Grapes.     Pp.  53-55. 

All  by  Amos  W.  Butler.     From  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  Vol.  43. 

Use  and  Value  of  Wild  Birds  to  Texas  Farmers  and  Stockmen  and 
Fruit  and  Truck  Growers.  Compiled  by  H.  P.  Attwatev.  1914.  Texas 
Department  of  Agriculture  Bulletin.     May-June,  1914.     No.  37. 

Birds  in  Relation  to  the  Alfalfa  Weevil.  By  E.  R.  Kalmbach,  Assis- 
tant Biologist.    Bulletin  of  the  U.  S,  Dept.  of  Agri.     No.  107. 

The  Ontogeny  of  the  White  Ibis;  Specialization  of  Tail  Down  in 
Ducks;  Effect  of  Postponed  Moult  in  Certain  Passerine  Birds;  Prelim- 
inary Pheaant  Studies.  By  C.  William  Beebe,  Curator  of  Birds.  Zoo- 
logical Scientific  Contributions  of  the  New  York  Zoological  Society, 
Vol.  1,  Nos.   12-15. 

The  Extermination  of  America's  Bird  Fauna.  By  E.  W.  Shufeldt. 
Separataftryk  Af,  "Nyt  Magaziu  for  Xaturvidenskaberne. "  Chris- 
tiania.     1914. 

Osteology  of  the  Passenger  Pigeon  (Ectopistes  migratorius).  By 
R.  W.  Shufeldt.  From  "The  Auk,"  Vol.  XXXI,  No.  3,  July,  1914.  Pp. 
358-362. 

Notes  on  the  Louisiana  Clapper  Rail  (Rallus  crepitans  saturatus)  in 
Texas.  By  George  Finlay  Simmons.  From  "The  Auk,"  Vol.  XXXI, 
No.  3,  July,  1914.     Pp.  363-384. 


Correspondence  157 

okxitiiological  journals  eeceived. 

The  Auk,  A'ol.  XXXI,  April  aud  July,  1914. 

Bird-Lore,  A^l.  XVI,  Nos.  2,  3,  4.     1914. 

Bluebird,  Vol.  VI,  Nos.  10  and  11.     1914. 

The  Condor,  Vol.  XVI,  Nos.  2,  3,  4.     1914. 

The  Oregon  Sportsman,  Vol.  II,  Nos.  4,  5,  6,  7.     1914. 

The  Oriole,  Vol.  II,  Nos.  1,  2.     1914. 

The  Taxidermist,  Vol.  2,  No.   U.     1914. 

Our  Feathered  Friends,  Vol.  I,  No.  4.     1914. 


CORRESPONDENCE 

A  REJOINDER. 
By  T.  C.  Stephens. 

There  appears  in  a  recent  number  of  the  Auk"  a  criticism  by  W.  L.  M. 
of  some  -work  which  has  appeared  from  time  to  time  by  students  of  the 
Macbride  (Iowa)  Lakeside  Laboratory.  Inasmuch  as  the  present  writer 
is  largely  responsible  for  this  work,  and  iuasmucli  as  similar  work  may 
appear  in  the  future,  it  becomes  a  duty  to  ascertain  to  what  extent  the 
criticisms  are  groundeil. 

The  criticism  is  directed  wholly  at  such  parts  of  the  work  as  relate  to 
the  food  of  nestling  birds,  a  field  which  seems  to  be  guarded  zealously 
by  the  critic  as  the  peculiar  domain  of  the  Biological  Survey. 

Let  us  examine  specifically  some  of  the  objections  raised.  He  charges 
the  workers  with  "over-enthusiasm"  (a  statement  rather  too  vague  to 
detain  us),  and  goes  on  to  say  that  it  is  a  grievous  fault  "to  publish 
identifications  that  could  not  possibly  have  been  made  under  the 
circumstances. ' ' 

Truly,  this  is  a  bold  and  sweeping  accusation.  Upon  wliat  does  our 
rash  reviewer  base-  his  confidence  ?  W.  L.  M.  further  says,  ' '  Now  the 
positive  identification  of  a  mosquito,  and  the  distinguishing  of  the  house 
and  stable  flies,  two  obscurely  marked  species  of  the  same  family,  require 
far  closer  and  more  definite  observation  than  could  possibly  be  made  on 
specimens  in  process  of  being  fed  to  nestling  birds." 

This  criticism  is  directed  at  Gabrielson's  work  on  the  catbird  (Wils. 
Bull.,  XXV,  Dec,  1913,  pp.  179-180),  where,  in  Table  III,  99  "Flies" 
were  recorded  as  being  fed  to  the  young  over  a  period  of  ten  days;  and 
in  which  the  text  says  ' '  The  flies  were  mostly  fish  flies,  tliough  house  and 
stable  flies  were  also  noted. ' ' 

*  The  Auk,  XXXX.  July,  1914,  pp.  420-421.  "W.  L.  M."  presumably  stands 
for  W.  Li.  McAtee,  of  the  Biological  Survey,  but  inasmuch  as  his  name  does 
not  appear  on  the  editorial  staff,  and  not  having  been  introduced  by  the 
Editor  of  The  Auk,  the  writer  regrets  to  be  compelled  to  refer,  in  the  present 
note,    simply   to   the   initials   as  signed. 


158  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  88 

Now  the  uest  of  the  catbirils  was  in  a  bush  located  on  a  stee}-  hillside. 
The  blind  being  higher,  enabled  the  observer  to  see  over  and  around  the 
bushes.  Flies  SAvarmed  aliout  on  the  foliage  of  these  bushes,  and  the 
observer  in  the  blind  could  see  the  catbird  capture  them  and  feed  them 
To  the  young  birds  in  the  nest.  A  number  of  these  flies  were  caught  and 
submitted  to  an  entomologist  from  Ames  College,  who  was  teaching  that 
subject  at  the  laboratory,  and  who  named  the  tiies  as  above.  The  paper 
did  not  state  that  every  fly  fed  to  the  young  birds  was  recognized  as  to 
kind.  In  the  tables  II  and  III  they  are  simply  listed  as  "Flies."  The 
enumeration  in  the  text  may  have  been  based  upon  specific  data,  or  it  may 
have  been  a  general  estimate  leased  upon  memory,  and  still  lie  an 
accurate  statement. 

The  original  statement  is  perfectly  safe,  and  scientifically  accurate, 
notwithstanding  the  obstinate  misinterpretation  by  the  critic. 

Now,  in  regard  to  the  mosquitoes,  which  are  also  denied  by  AV.  L.  ]\[. 
in  the  statement  above  quoted.  The  one  mosquito  recorded  in  the  cat- 
bird paper  (page  179)  was  obser\ed  under  the  following  circumstances, 
as  communicated  to  me  by  the  author  of  that  paper:  "The  old  bird  was 
on  the  nest,  and  I  was  in  the  blind.  As  it  was  only  8:00  a.m.,  a  few 
mosquitoes  were  still  about.  One  in  the  blind  buzzed  around  my  face, 
and  I  struck  at  it  with  my  hand.  It  flew  out  of  the  peep-hole,  and  as 
I  idly  followed  its  flight  it  lighted  on  a  leaf  within  six  or  eight  inches  of 
the  nest.  The  old  bird  immediately  snapped  it  up  and  fed  it  to  one  of 
the  nestlings. ' ' 

With  reference  to  the  mosquito  records  in  the  Yellow  Warbler  study 
(Wils.  Bull.,  XXV,  June,  1913,  p.  5.5),  I  can  only  call  the  reader's  atten- 
tion to  the  fact  that  as  the  observer  sat  in  the  blind,  the  nest  was  almost 
as  close  to  his  eyes  as  is  a  newspaper  while  being  read — not  over  two 
feet  away.  The  bill  of  a  Yellow  Warbler  is  only  3.5  mm.  wide  at  its 
base,  while  the  terminal  third  of  it  is  not  over  a  single  millimeter  in 
width.  Thus  even  the  body  of  a  mosquito  could  scarcely  be  entirely  con- 
cealed in  the  bill  of  such  a  bird.  I  am  well  aware  that  it  is  almost 
a  waste  of  time  to  be  discussing  the  question  whether  .a  mosquito  was  ac- 
tually seen  or  not;  lint  I  would  simply  remark  that  when  the  possibility 
of  it  is  so  evident,  it  would  seem  that  the  critic  is  rather  forcing  an  issue. 
When  we  admit  the  possiliility  of  seeing  one  mosquito,  the  repetition 
of  it,  even  to  sixty-five  times,  should  give  us  no  greater  concern. 

Our  captious  reviewer  displays  a  lack  of  knowledge  of  this  kind  of 
field  work,  and  its  methods,  when  he  questions  an  observer 's  ability  to 
count  5,  6,  or  7  Mayflies  in  the  beak  of  a  Brown  Thrasher  at  the  nest. 
May  I  be  permitted  to  call  attention  to  a  few  elementary  facts  ? 

The  date  on  which  these  seemingly  large  numbers  of  Mayflies  were 
recorded  was  June  28,  at  which  time  the  Mayfly  swarms  Avere  at  their 
maximum.  In  the  evening  dense  clouds  of  them  filled  the  air,  and  during 
the  day  the  grass  was  full  of  them.     Frequently  the  old  l)irds  fed  in  the 


Correspondence  159 

grass  ill  c-losc  proximity  to  the  nest,  where  they  \\ere  uiider  observation. 
In  a  few  instances  the  Mayflies  were  counted  as  they  were  being  gathered. 
On  this  date  244,  counted,  Mayflies  were  fed  to  the  young. 

Usually  the  old  bird  pauses  an  instant  at  tlie  nest  before  feeding, 
during  which  time  there  is  au  excellent  opiiortunity  for  counting.  In 
fact,  Mr.  Gabrielson  tells  me  that  this  summer,  while  watching  a  Eose- 
breasted  Grosbeak's  nest,  he  was  able,  by  making  a  slight  noise,  to  hold 
the  male  on  the  edge  of  the  nest  for  three  minutes,  by  the  watch,  while 
trying  to  determine  the  contents  of  its  beak.  I  wish  I  might  assure  the 
critic  that  it  is  not  surprising  for  the  bird  to  have  so  many  Mayflies  in  its 
beak;  neither  is  it,  under  the  circumstances,  particularly  difficult  to 
count  that  number  of  them. 

The  ants  may  be  discussed  in  a  similar  way.  I  think  no  more  than 
three  ants  were  recorded  at  any  single  visit.  In  all  of  these  records,  it 
is  understood,  I  had  supposed  as  a  matter  of  course,  that  the  number 
recorded  were  seen  and  counted;  but  it  was  not  claimed,  nor  was  it  in- 
tended to  convey  the  impression,  that  no  more  were  in  the  bird 's  bill. 
For  instance,  if  the  old  bird  visits  the  nest  with  a  beak  full  of  ants, 
and  the  observer  could  distinguish  the  bodies  of  three  individuals,  it 
would  be  ridiculous  to  assume  that  no  more  than  three  were  in  the 
bird's  mouth.     This  is  so  elementary! 

It  will  be  found  that  in  Gabrielson 's  report  on  the  Brown  Thrasher 
study,  in  Table  I,  the  plus  sign  was  frequently  used  to  indicate  that  a 
certain  number  of  individual  insects  were  recognized  out  of  a  larger 
number.  In  this  report  (Wils.  Bull.,  XXIY,  June,  1912,  p.  S4)  there  will 
be  found  the  following  statement :  "It  Avill  be  noticed  in  the  tabulated 
data  that  the  number  of  insects  was  not  always  determined  exactly,  but 
was  entered  in  this  manner,  '6+  Mayflies,'  etc.  In  all  such  cases 
the  minimum  number  was  used  in  computing  the  tables.  As  all  of  the 
persons  who  assisted  were  cautioned  especially  to  note  the  number  of 
insects  exactly,  it  is  safe  to  assume  that  if  there  be  any  error  in  the  data 
it  is  in  having  recorded  too  few  insects,  rather  than  too  many. ' ' 

The  reviewer  then  believes  he  has  given  sufficient  illustrations  of  the 
inaccuracy  of  the  work  to  demolish  it  completely,  and  proceeds  with  this 
ex  cathedra  pronouncement :  "It  should  be  recognized  that  reporting  on 
the  food  of  nestling  birds  on  the  basis  of  field  observation  is  work  for 
accomplished  entomologists,  not  for  amateur  ornithologists, ' '  with  em- 
phasis, perhaps,  on  the  "amateur."  Of  course,  no  one  will  dispute  this 
statement,  although  the  work  is  more  likely  to  be  done  by  an  ornitholo- 
gist who  knows  some  entomology,  than  by  an  ' '  accomplished  entomolo- 
gist." The  only  fault  with  such  a  remark  is  the  animus  revealed  by  it, 
which  does  not  beget  confidence  or  friendliness.  The  reviewer  is  expected 
to  give  more  conclusive  proof  of  inaccuracy  before  indulging  in  such 
caustic  comment. 

The  very  excellent  pioneer  report  on  the  nest  study  of  the  Chipping 


160  The  Wilson  Bulletin  — No.  88 

Sparrow  by  Dr.  C.  M.  AVeed*  is  cited  as  a  model,  because  of  the  iu- 
definiteness  of  identification  of  the  food  fed  to  the  young  sparrows.  This 
nest  of  tlie  chippy  Avas  "near"  a  window,  from  which  it  was  watched; 
but  nothing  further  was  stated  to  enable  one  to  know  whether  the 
distance  was  two  feet  or  ten  feet,  or  whetlier  it  was  watched  through  an 
open  or  closed  window.  It  is  only  fair  to  the  authors  of  this  paper  to 
quote  from  page  109  as  follows:  "The  precise  determination  of  the 
most  of  the  food  brought  was,  of  course,  impossible,  the  observations 
having  been  undertaken  especially  to  learn  the  regularity  of  the  feeding 
habits  of  the  adult  birds. ' '  Since  this  study  was  not  undertaken  for  the 
purpose  of  determining  the  nature  of  the  food,  it  hardly  seems  proper,  in 
fairness  to  the  author,  to  set  it  up  as  an  example  of  this  line  of  work. 

The  reviewer's  proposal  to  tie  bags  over  the  anal  orifices  of  nestling 
birds  for  the  purpose  of  collecting  the  excreta  will  be  highly  amusing 
to  anyone  who  has  noticed  young  birds  in  the  nest.  However,  any  sug- 
gestion coming  from  so  well  qualified  a  critic  deserves  attention,  and  the 
writer  will  endeavor  to  try  out  this  new  method  at  some  future  time. 

As  another  suggestion  that  the  authors  of  the  several  papers  reviewed 
may  have  been  deceived  in  their  observations  the  reviewer  has  said,  "A 
great  many  birds  feed  by  regurgitation  and  the  food  is  at  no  time 
visible. ' '  We  take  it  that  the  reviewer  here  has  in  mind  passerine  birds, 
since  no  other  order  was  involved  in  the  discussion. 

In  our  studies  on  the  passerine  birds  we  have  succeeded  in  following 
the  feeding  of  at  least  one  out  of  a  brood,  from  the  moment  it  left  the 
egg  until  it  left  the  nest,  in  the  cases  of  the  yellow  warbler,  the  catbird, 
and  the  meadowlark  (report  on  the  last  having  not  yet  been  published)  ; 
and  in  each  of  these  instances  there  has  been  no  feeding  by  regurgita- 
tion. This  is  known  simply  from  the  fact  that  the  food  has  been 
visible  in  the  bird's  bill.  It  is  quite  possible,  of  course,  that  regurgi- 
tation may  be  found  to  be  practiced  by  certain  passerine  birds,  such  as 
the  flycatchers  and  the  grosbeaks,  and  it  is  just  such  questions  which  can 
be  settled  by  field  observation.  (I  am  not  now  considering  the  carry- 
ing of  berries  in  the  throat  of  a  waxwing  as  coming  under  the  definition 
of  regurgitation.) 

The  reviewer's  confession  of  limited  experience  in  field  work  of  this 
kind  is  sufficient  reason  in  itself  to  make  him  more  cautious  of  such 
vigorous,  though  quibbling,  criticism. 

It  would  seem  that  he  is  very  skeptical  of  the  value  of  field  observa- 
tions on  the  food  of  nestling  birds  in  any  case.  It  is  to  be  assumed 
that  he  relies  wholly  upon  the  examination  of  stomach  contents.  But 
there  are  limitations  to  that  method  also.  The  examination  of  a  stomach 
will  give,  at  best,  the  story  of  only  three  or  four  hours  of  the  bird's 
life.  Even  with  the  food  mass  in  a  watch  glass,  some  of  the  material 
must  be  macerated  beyond  recognition.     What  is  unrecognizable  cannot 

*  Weed  Clarence  M.  An  Observation  on  the  Feeding  Habits  of  the 
Chipping  Sparrow.      X.   H.   Agric.    Exp.    Sta.   Bull.   5.j,    1898,    pp.   101 -llo. 


Correspondence  161 

be  taken  into  account,  except  as  "unknown"  or  as  "miscellaneous." 
If  the  tables  or  diagrams  do  not  show  this  must  we  not  conclude  that 
the  writer  has  discarded  the  unidentified  material?  Wilcox,^  v,ho  ex- 
amined over  200  stomachs  of  the  robin  in  one  year,  says:  "The 
determination  of  insect  remains  in  the  stomachs  of  birds  is  a  very 
difficult  and  i^erplexing  task,  and  one  which  is  not  all  pleasant,  since 
nearly  all  the  material  is  in  the  very  worst  condition  imaginable,  and 
mutilated  and  jiartly  digested  fragments  of  several  species  of  insects 
being  mixed  up  in  utter  confusion.  The  elytra,  mouth  parts  and  tarsi 
are,  of  course,  usually  left  to  tell  their  tales,  as  are  also  the  harder  parts 
of  all  other  insects,  snails,  myriapods  and  the  seeds  of  the  various  fruits; 
but  the  soft  bodied  larvae  and  earthworms  are  too  often  macerat>id  almost 
beyond  recognition."     (p.  118.) 

Too  often  the  adherent  of  stomach  examination  publishes  only  his 
percentage  results,  without  the  detailed  data  upon  which  his  percentages 
are  based,  which  are  necessary  in  a  strictly  scientific  piece  of  work. 

Most  ornithologists. will  concede  that  field  observations  on  the  food  of 
birds  possess  certain  advantages;  those  who  have  had  much  practice 
in  this  method  will  understand  that  it  yields  results  with  far  greater 
accuracy  than  its  critics  are  ready  to  admit. 

No  field  worker,  I  presume,  would  claim  that  field  observations  alone 
would  give  us  a  full  knowledge  of  the  economic  status  of  a  species.  It 
will  be  claimed,  however,  that  such  observations  contribute  to  such  knowl- 
edge very  largely,  if  not  with  parity,  in  comparison  with  other  methods. 
Furthermore,  this  method  is  not  destructive  of  life,  which  would  become 
a  fact  of  importance  in  the  study  of  any  rare  species.  It  is  not  par- 
ticularly reassuring  to  read  the  boast  of  having  killed  so  many  thousands 
of  nestling  birds  in  order  to  determine  what  their  food  had  been  for 
the  last  two  or  three  hours.  The  writer  recognizes  that  under  certain 
circumstances  it  may  be  justifiable,  but  nevertheless,  in  the  judgment  of 
many  this  criticism  will  apply  to  the  stomach  method. 

It  would  seem,  when  a  careful  review  is  made,  that  the  hypercritical 
apostle  of  stomach  examination  ought  to  be  more  cautious  whither  he 
slings.  To  paraphrase  the  revie^^er's  closing  remark,  what  is  needed 
above  all  on  the  part  of  iconoclastic  reviewers  is  more  certainty  and  less 
quibbling,  and  more  hard  work  in  the  field  and  laboratory  that  there 
may  be  developed  an  appreciation  of  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered 
in  productive  efl^^ort. 

Sioux  City,  Iowa. 

*  Wilcox,   E.   V.      Bull.   43,    Ohio   Agric.    Exp.   Sta.,    1892,    pp.    ll.j-1.31. 


_  ,.€S^iiisZi>,2Si 


The  Site  of  the  Roost. 

Upper,  from   the  South-east.     Middle,  from   the  North-east. 

Lower,  from  the  West. 


THE 

WILSON  BULLETIN 

NO.  89. 

A    QUARTERLY    JOURNAL    OF    ORNITHOLOGY 

VOL.  XXVI  DECEMBER,  1914.  NO.  4 


OLD   SERIES    VOL.    XXVI.       NEW    SERIES    VOL.    XXI. 


NOTES  ON  A  NORTHERN  ROBIN  ROOST.^ 

BY  ARTHUR  R.   ABEL. 

The  Robin  roost  to  be  here  described  w^as  located  within 
the  city  Hmits  of  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  in  fact  in  a  rather  closely 
built  up  district  of  the  city.  The  flight  to  the  roost  was  first 
noticed  about  August  7,  1914,  although  no  record  was  made 
at  this  time. 

However,  by  the  fifteenth  the  regularity  of  the  flight  had 
been  noted  and  it  was  decided  to  determine  its  origin  and  des- 
tination. At  this  time  the  birds  were  flying  in  considerable 
numbers,  from  northeast  to  southwest,  over  Newton  St.  and 
the  College  Campus.  On  this  evening  the  flight  was  watched 
on  Newton  St.  from  7  :lo  to  7  :28  when  the  flight  practically 
ceased,  and  eighty-five  birds  had  been  counted. 

On  the  evening  of  August  16th,  the  birds  were  first  noticed 
at  6  :50,  and  from  this  time  to  7  :30  110  birds  flew  over  the 
route.  By  the  thirtieth  the  numbers  were  considerably  aug- 
mented, and  I  had  planned  to  work  over  toward  the  north- 
east in  hope  of  ascertaining  how  far  they  came. 

Accordingly  I  left  about  six  o'clock  and  went  northeast- 
ward until  I  reached  the  ravines  north  of  ^Morningside  known 
as  North  Ravines.     The  country  here  was  very  hilly  and  the 

'  Read  before  The  Sioux  City  Bird-Stiuly  Club,  Nov.  .^d.  1014. 


166  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

flocks  were  seen  first  as  they  came  over  the  ridge  of  the  hills. 
I  kept  on  going  northeastward  thinking  that  each  hill  con- 
cealed the  ravines  where  the  flocks  formed.  Each  time  how- 
ever I  was  disappointed  and  was  forced  to  go  still  farther  on, 
until  at  last  about  dark  I  saw  a  few  flocks  fly  out  of  a  ravine 
about  one  and  one-half  miles  from  Newton  St.  This  how-- 
ever  did  not  prove  to  be  the  source  of  the  supply  for  the  next 
day  about  noon  this  ravine  was  deserted,  proving  that  the 
flocks  stopped  only  for  a  brief  rest.  On  the  same  evening  (the 
30th.)  we  were  surprised  to  find  many  kingbirds  flying  over 
the  same  route.  The  kingbirds,  however,  flew  somewhat  earl- 
ier than  the  Robins,  although  part  of  the  time  the  flight  was  a 
mixed  one.  The  last  of  the  flight  consisted  entirely  of  robins, 
which  flew  until  it  became  dark. 

The  Robins  flew  faster  and  with  more  rapid  wingbeats  than 
the  Kingbirds.  The  observations  of  this  evening  made  clear 
that  the  flocks  gathered  over  a  very  large  territory,  and  were 
formed  by  additions  from  the  many  ravines  east  of  town.  A 
word  of  explanation  might  be  made  as  to  the  use  of  the  term 
"  flocks  "  in  this  connection.  At  the  best  time  of  the  flight 
the  birds  came  stringing  in  almost  continuously,  sometimes 
singly  or  in  pairs,  and  sometimes  in  groups  of  from  ten  to 
twenty ;  often  it  required  alertness  to  keep  the  count  correctly. 
On  the  evening  of  the  thirtieth,  at  a  point  about  two  miles 
west  of  where  the  roost  was  subsequently  found.  I  counted 
226  robins  and  93  kingbirds. 

On  the  next  evening  I  went  in  the  opposite  direction,  and 
found  at  some  distance  southwest  of  the  college,  the  robins 
were  flying  in  a  direction  reverse  to  that  of  the  night  before ; 
this  suggested  that  the  roost  might  be  nearer  to  the  college. 

On  the  evening  of  Sept.  1st,  the  roost  was  located  in  a  small 
wooded  hollow  adjoining  the  athletic  field.  The  central  clump 
was  composed  of  about  fifty  rather  tall  box-elder  trees,  pretty 
well  crowded  together  so  that  the  foliage  was  dense  enough 
and  high  enough  to  afiford  protection  and  shelter.  To  the 
north  there  were  a  good  many  scattered  trees,  but  on  the  east 
there  was  a  large  open  space  occupied  by  the  athletic  field, 


Abel — A  Winter  RornN  Roost  167 

which  afforded  an  excellent  place  for  counting.  '  To  the  south- 
east there  were  a  good  many  trees  but  they  seemed  to  disre- 
gard them  and  fly  directly  over.  At  6  :27  p.  m.  most  of  the 
birds  had  congregated,  and  a  few  Kingbirds  were  also  seen 
among  the  robins. 

On  the  evening  of  Sept.  2,  the  roost  was  visited  at  6  :30 
and  only  four  Robins  were  counted  in  the  trees.  The  first 
birds  to  fly  in  from  the  east  came  at  6  :43  and  from  this  on 
they  came  in  from  the  east  with  rapidity  until  7  :30  when  it 
became  too  dark  to  see  or  count  them.  By  this  turn  we  had 
counted  302  Robins  entering  the  roost  from  the  north  and  east. 


Territory   where  the  Flocks  Gathered. 
Typical  ravine  in  wliicli   Robins  feed   during  tlie  day. 

The  Kingbirds  had  vanished — none  were  to  be  seen,  although 
a  single  one  was  seen  in  the  roost  'early  the  next  morning. 
The  cold  night  of  Sept.  1st,  had  probably  been  too  much  for 
them.  It  was  decided  to  visit  the  roost  early  the  next  morn- 
ing in  order  to  see  how  it  would  break  up.  So  at  3  :45  A.  M. 
we  were  on  the  ground,  but  everything  was  so  quiet  and  dark 
and  cold  that  we  sought  shelter.  Returning  at  4:55,  we 
heard  the  first  Robin  chirp  at  5  :05.  At  5  :10  several  flew  si- 
lently   from   outside   trees    to   the  main    roost.      At   5:15   we 


168  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

could  say  that  morning  had  dawned,  and  a  chorus  of  chirps 
and  calls  beg-an  which  did  not  quiet  down  until  the  roost  had 
been  vacated.  At  5  :21  the  first  bird  flew  out.  At  5  :32  the 
calling  became  much  louder,  and  we  heard  the  call  which  can 
be  best  expressed  by  "  whe-ap."  At  5  :25  the  disturbance  be- 
came quite  general  and  there  was  considerable  uproar,  and 
much  flying  about  among  the  trees. 

At  intervals  about  twenty-one  mourning  doves  flew  from 
outside  trees  and  the  main  roost.  At  5  :20  a  Blue  Jay  called 
and  was  answered  two  or  three  times  by  other  Blue  Jays ;  this 
seemed  to  stir  the  Robins  up  a  little,  and  they  began  to  leave 
in  large  numbers.  Among  other  birds  heard  in  and  about 
the  roost  at  this  time  might  be  mentioned  the  Baltimore  Ori- 
ole, several  Goldfinches,  a  Downy  Woodpecker,  and  several 
Chickadees  ;  while  on  Sept.  24th,  about  100  Blue-bi-rds'  rested 
there  over  night.  At  5  :45  about  a  hundred  Chimney  Swifts 
appeared,  probably  coming  from  a  large  chimney  of  a  nearb)' 
schoolbuilding.  By  6 :50  the  roost  was  practically  deserted 
except  for  two  or  three  Robins  which  had  been  stunned  by 
flying  into  telephone  wires.  The  great  majority  of  the  Robins 
on  leaving  the  roost,  flew  out  a  short  distance,  alighting  in 
other  trees  or  on  wires,  where  they  seemed  to  take  a  brief 
rest  before  proceeding  to  the  feeding  grounds.  On  the  way 
from  the  roost  the  Robins  were  seen  on  all  sides,  on  the  Col- 
lege Campus,  in  private  yards ;  many  were  on  the  ground 
feeding,  others  were  perched  in  trees  and  on  the  roofs  of 
houses.  No  doubt  the  birds  gradually  dispersed  to  the  outer 
limits  of  their  feeding  range,  for  by  ten  o'clock  they  had  dis- 
appeared from  the  immediate  neighborhood. 

On  Sept.  4th,  an  effort  was  made  to  count  the  Robins  ar- 
riving from  the  south,  as  well  as  from  the  north ;  at  this  time 
362  birds  were  counted,  in  a  similar  manner  558  were  counted 
on  the  evening  of  the  eighth. 

On  Sept.  9th,  a  heavy  rain  fell  throughout  the  day,  in  fact 
it  was  said  to  be  the  heaviest  rain  in  sixteen  years ;  dark- 
ness settled  rather  early  in  consequence  of  the  cloudiness. 
Although   watching  under   these   circumstances   was   uncom- 


Abel — A  Winter  Robin  Roost  169 

i'ortable  it  seemed  advisable  to  ascertain  what  effect  the 
weather  conditions  would  have  upon  the  flight.  The  first 
Robin  flew  into  the  roost  at  5  :47 ;  they  now  followed  regular- 
ly at  intervals  of  two  or  three  minutes,  at  G  :06  thirty  birds 
flew  in.  The  watch  was  now  discontinued,  as  it  seemed  that 
the  only  noticeable  change  was  that  the  flight  started  fifteen 
or  twenty  minutes  earlier  than  usual.  But  as  there  was  no 
cessation  in  the  steady  and  almost  uniform  downpour  this  is 
attributed  to  the  earlier  twilight. 

It  was  thought  desirable  to  attempt  a  complete  census  of 
the  birds  arriving  from  all  directions.  Accordingly  on  the 
evening  of  Sept.  11,  a  number  of  members  of  the  Sioux  City 
Bird  Study  Club  visited  the  roost  and  assisted  in  the  count- 
mg.  It  was  thought  that  all  the  birds  could  be  observed  by 
establishing  three  stations,  as  follows :  the  writer  undertook 
to  watch  the  flight  from  the  west ;  the  southeast  quadrant  was 
watched  by  Dr.  Stephens  and  Mr.  Fields ;  and  the  northeast 
quadrant  w^as  watched  by  Mrs.  Fields  and  Miss  Hood.  Al- 
together 761  Robins  were  counted  as  they  entered  the  roost 
from  all  directions. 

The  following  table  sho^\s  the  only  complete  census  that 
we  made : 

Time  West     Northeast     Southeast     Total 

6:04  2                                      2 

6 :08  2                                      2 

6:15  3                2                                        5 

6:16  2  2 

6:17  5  5               10 

6:18  1  1                 2 

6 :19  2  2                 4 

'    6 :20  16  1               17 

6:21  6                                      6 

6 :22  19  1               20 

6 :23  2                                        2 

6 :24  7                                        7 

6 :2.5  3                                        3 

6 :26  15                                      15 

6 :27  2                                      2 

6 :28  4                                        4 


170  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

Time  West    Northeast     Southeast    Total 

6 :29 

6  -.30  1 

6  :31  

6 :32  6 

6  :33  

6 :34  1 

6 :35  1 

6  :36  

6  :37  

6  :38  

6  :40  

6  :41  

6  :42  

6 :43  1 

6  :44  

6  :45  

6 :46  4 

6 :47  2 

6  :48  

6  :49  

6  :50  

6  :51  

6  :52  

6  :53  

6  :54  

6 :55  3 

6  :56  

6  :58  

6  :59  

7  :03  

7  :05  

7  :06  

7  :09  

Total 7G1 

It  is  believed  that  this  count  is  approximately  correct,  i.e., 
probably  not  more  than  a  hundred  birds  were  missed  in  the 
counting-.  Of  course  to  one  who  is  witnessing  the  flight, 
without  attempting  to  make  a  count,  there  would  probably 
come  temptation  to  estimate  them  by  the  "  thousands " ;  a 
flock  of  even  several  hundred  birds  presents  quite  an  imposing 
arrav. 


24 

i 
25 

3 

3 

27 

33 

18 

18 

8 

11 

20 

2 

4 

7 

4 

4 

45 

45 

46 

21 

67 

17 

31 

48 

21 

28 

49 

4 

25 

29 

7 

23 

31 

10 

28 

38 

9 

11 

20 

32 

20 

56 

24 

19 

45 

12 

16 

28 

3 

3 

9 

9 

6 

7 

13 

9 

9 

10 

3 

13 

9 

9 

3 

4 

10 

1 

1 

8 

8 

2 

2 

1 

2 

3 

1 

1 

2. 

2 

1 

1 

2 

Abel — A  Winter  Rorin  Roost  171 

From  this  time  observations  were  made  only  on  the  North- 
east quadrant,  and  there  seemed  to  be  a  very  rapid  decrease 
in  numbers.  Since  a  complete  census  was  not  attempted 
later  it  will  probably  be  best  not  to  give  any  incomplete  fig- 
ures. Suffice  it  to  say  that  the  observations  were  made  every 
three  or  four  days  until  the  middle  of  October.  After  Sept. 
27  there  were  only  scattered  individuals;  and  on  Oct.  16  none 
flew  in  from  any  direction. 

It  seems  to  be  a  regular  habit  of  Robins  to  roost  in  im- 
mense flocks  in  their  winter  homes  in  the  south,  and  there 
are  numerous  published  accounts  of  the  wanton  slaughter  of 
them  under  such  circumstances.  But  if  it  is  their  habit  to 
roost  thus  at  the  close  of  their  breeding  in  the  north,  before 
the  fall  migration,  it  does  not  seem  to  be  very  generally  rec- 
cognized. 

Mr.  Wm.  Brewster  publishel  nearly  twenty-five  years  ago,^ 
a  most  admirable  account  of  several  "  Summer  Robin  Roosts  " 
near  Cambridge.  His  observations  on  the  behavior  of  the 
birds  were  so  complete  that  little  can  now  be  said  in  addition. 
The  present  paper  must  be  largely  in  the  nature  of  a  confirm- 
ation. 

Our  observations  agree  in  that  the  flight  was  not  equal  in 
all  directions,  and  that  various  other  species  of  birds,  in 
small  num.bers,  often  became  associated  with  the  Robins  in 
the  roost. 

Mr.  Brewster  also  discusses  the  matter  of  the  composition 
of  the  roost  as  to  the  sex,  and  gives  some  reasons  for  think- 
ing that  the  summer  roosts  are  made  up  of  the  males  and 
young  of  the  first  broods  of  the  yea-r.  Fisher  -  also  expresses 
his  belief  that  the  fall  roosts  of  the  Barn  and  Bank  swallows 
consisted  of  males.  I  have  been  unable  to  make  any  positive 
observations  on  this  point ;  but,  in  as  far  as  the  lighter  color 
of  the  breast  is  indicative  of  sex,  I  should  incline  to  tbe  opin- 
ion that  the  roost  under  my  observation  contained  a  fair  pro- 
portion of  females. 

The  manner  of  flight  to  the  roost  seems  to  be  distinctive  in 
^Tbe  Auk,  7,  1S90,  pp.  360-373. 
=  The  Observer,  7,   1896,  pp.  382-384. 


172  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

some  birds.  Dr.  Jones  ^  found  that  the  Crackles  formed  in 
rather  definite  and  compact  hosts,  even  remaining  together 
while  feeding  during  the  day.  It  is  not  this  way  with  the 
Robins.  Their  flight  is  more  like  a  continuous  stream,  now 
broad  enough  to  fill  a  considerable  segment  of  the  horizon, 
now  narrowed  to  a  single  individual ;  sometimes  even  ceasing 
temporarily. 

As  would  be  supposed  the  birds  flew  close  to  the  ground 
on  dark  cloudy  days  and  much  higher  on  clear  sunlight 
evenings. 

The  birds  seemed  guided  in  flying  by  the  conditions  of 
light  and  if  the  darkness  came  earlier  the  flight  was  corres- 
pondingly early.  The  height  of  the  flight  lowered  as  dark- 
ness came  on  so  that  at  dusk  the  Robins  were  skimming  along 
close  to  the  ground  swerving  from  side  to  side  in  avoiding 
the  numerous  obstacles.  When  flying  high  the  birds  main- 
tained about  the  same  level  until  directly  over  the  roost  then 
darting  down  with  set  wings  to  the  topmost  branches  where 
they  hesitated  a  minute  or  two  before  diving  down  into  the 
depths  of  the  foliage.  The  first  arrivals  seemingly  realizing 
that  they  were  early  occasionally  went  off  to  the  nearby  alfalfa 
and  corn  fields  to  feed,  returning  about  dusk  to  roost.  Then 
for  a  few  minutes  a  squabble  usually  took  place  as  they  se- 
lected and  fought  over  their  roosting  places. 

Soon  only  a  few  individuals  were  heard  as  they  uttered 
their  plaintive  calls ;  but  in  a  short  time  this  also  died  away 
and  no  sign  remained  to  tell  of  the  large  number  of  birds  so 
near. 

Further  notes  were  made  on  the  habits  and  behavior,  but 
these  details  have  already  been  fully  described  in  Mr.  Brews- 
ter's paper,  which  the  reader  will  find  to  be  a  most  entertain- 
ing account. 

Sioux  City,  lozva 

MVils.   Bull.,  0,   1897,  pp.   39-56. 


CoMi'TON  —  The  Birds  of  Douglas  Lake  Region     173 
THE  BIRDS  OF  THE  DOUGLAS  LAKE  REGION 

BY  JAS.  S.  COMPTON. 

The  Biological  Station  of  the  University  of  Michigan  is  lo- 
cated on  Douglas  Lake  in  the  western  part  of  Cheyboygan 
County,  Michigan,  in  a  district  almost  equidistant  from  the 
Straits  of  Mackinac,  and  the  Great  Lakes,  Huron  and  Michi- 
gan. The  data  upon  which  this  paper  is  based  were  gath- 
ered by  the  writer  while  in  residence  at  the  Station  during 
the  summers  of  1913  and  1914.  The  session  at  the  Station 
like  that  of  the  university  of  which  it  is  a  part  covers  a  period 
of  eight  weeks  beginning  the  last  of  June.  The  weather 
conditions,  then,  are  those  of  midsummer  in  the  region  of  the 
upper  Great  Lakes. 

The  region  about  Douglas  Lake  has  a  remarkable  geologi- 
cal history,  most  of  it  at  one  time  or  another  during  the  Gla- 
cial Epoch  having  been  moraines,  outwash  aprons,  lake  beach, 
lake  bottom,  lake  dune,  or  two  or  more  of  these  different  de- 
posits, an  outwash  apron  at  one  time  furnishing  the  materials 
to  build  a  lake  beach,  and  it  a  little  later  in  turn  the  sand  for 
a  dune.^  The  soil  is  sandy ;  much  of  it  has  little  in  it  besides 
well  worn  grains  of  quartz ;  in  some  places  especially  on  the 
higher  levels  where  least  washing  by  wave  action  has  taken 
place  there  is  much  gravel  and  a  little  clay  and  loam.  So 
far  as  permanent  human  settlements  are  concerned  most  of 
the  region  is  still  wilderness,  the  barren  sand  having  little  at- 
traction for  even  the  most  land-hungry.  Conditions  of  life 
for  man  and  beast  and  bird  are  decidedly  primitive. 

A  generation  or  less  ago  the  land  was  heavily  forested  with 
white  and  red  pine,  hemlock,  spruce,  hard  maple,  beech,  birch, 
white  cedar,  balsam,  tamarack,  swamp  maple  and  black  ash, 
but  now  little  of  the  original  growth  remains.  In  only  one 
place  within  a  radius  of  three  miles  of  the  Station  can  the 
primeval  conifer-hardwood  forest  be  seen  untouched  by  forest 
fire  or  the  ax  of  the  lumberman.  This  oasis  is  Fairy  Island  in 
Douglas  Lake,  an  exception  to  the  rule  because  of  its  isolated 

^  Summary,  of  Surface  Geology  of  Micliigau.  Alfred  C.  Lane, 
1908. 


174  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

position.  Two  tracts  of  cut-over  hardwoods  lie  within  a 
mile  of  the  Station,  a  typical  cedar  bog  two  miles  distant  on 
the  north  shore  of  Burt  Lake,  and  all  about  and  between  are 
the  sand  hills  and  plains  covered  with  aspens. 

The  cut-over  hardwoods  are  a  vast  brush-heap  laid  and 
ready  for  the  match.  Tree-tops  in  varying  stages  of  dissolu- 
tion cover  the  ground  lying  as  the  lumberman  left  them  when 
he  withdrew ;  the  few  trees  that  he  failed  to  cut  down,  the 
saplings  and  second  growth  that  have  since  sprung  up,  pro- 
ject above  but  scarcely  conceal  the  debris.  So  numerous 
are  the  fallen  trunks  and  so  dense  the  foliage  of  the  shrubby 
growth  that  one  may  sometimes  walk  for  rods  upon  them 
without  so  much  as  a  glimpse  of  the  earth  beneath  him.  Un- 
der this  leafy  jungle  where  the  midsummer  sunlight  seldom 
falls  is  a  thick  layer  of  humus  and  wood  in  all  stages  of  de- 
cay inhabited  by  hordes  of  lowly  creatures,  ants,  worms, 
snails,  beetles,  and  larvae  of  many  insects.  Here  in  July  and 
August  are  plenty  of  berries,  especially  of  the  red-berried  eld- 
er and  the  red  raspberry  fruiting  wherever  they  can  find  a 
place  to  grow.  It  would  be  difficult  to  find  conditions  of  food 
and  shelter  more  acceptable  to  the  forest  avifauna  than  are 
afforded  by  these  cut-over  hardwoods. 

The  large  bog  on  Burt  Lake  to  which  reference  has  been 
made  may  well  serve  as  a  type  of  the  bogs  of  the  region  as 
there  are  a  number  of  smaller  ones  partly  filled  with  vegeta- 
tion and  sand  washed  down  from  the  adjacent  higher  land. 
This  bog,  known  locally  as  Reese's  Bog,  has  evidently  been 
formed  by  dune  or  wave  action  that  resulted  in  the  cutting 
off  of  a  large  shallow  arm  of  the  lake ;  the  quiet  bay  thus 
formed  became  filled  with  vegetation,  each  generation  of 
plants  at  its  death  laying  the  foundation  on  which  the  next 
was  to  grow.  Underfoot  now  is  a  water-soaked  carpet  of 
Sphagnum  and  other  mosses,  sundews,  orchids,  and  other  wa- 
ter-loving plants  into  which  the  foot  sinks  to  shoe-top ;  over- 
head the  trees  meet  in  a  tangk  of  twigs,  white  cedars,  bal- 
sams, spruces,  and  larch,  with  here  and  there  a  swamp  maple, 
a  white  birch  or  a  black  ash.     The  competition  for  sunlight 


CoMPTON  —  The  Birds  of  Douglas  Lake  Region    175 

is  very  keen ;  most  all  of  the  survivors  are  dead  in  their  low- 
er limbs  and  are  soon  adorned  for  the  funeral  by  a  vigorous 
colony  of  lichens,  both  of  the  crustaceous  and  filamentous 
kinds.  Only  in  a  few  places  in  the  old  logging  roads  does 
the  sunshine  fall  without  obstruction  even  at  noon ;  in  such 
favored  places  there  is  a  vigorous  growth  of  vegetation  of 
many  species,  more  than  two  hundred  having  been  officially 
identified  by  the  botanists  of  the  Station.  Numerous  minute 
pools  of  water  in  the  moss,  and  several  brooks  flowing  a  few 
inches  below  the  surface  tell  us  that  water  is  never  very  far 
away,  and  suggest  that  perhaps  Burt  Lake  has  never  quite 
given  up  the  struggle  for  this  part  of  his  ancient  domain. 

The  aspens  are  the  pioneers  of  the  drier  lands.  They  en- 
ter upon  the  scene  early,  tam'e  the  sand  down  a  little  and  hold 
it  in  their  possession  till  the  more  dominant  types  appear, 
fighting  always  a  losing  fight  in  which  it  is  foreordained  that 
they  go  under  unless  some  outside  force  interrupts  the  order- 
ly march  of  events  and  starts  the  plant  succession  back  near 
the  beginning.  The  outside  force  that  has  intervened  in  this 
instance  is  the  forest  fire  which  has  swept  away  practically 
all  of  the  splendid  mixed  pine  and  hardwood  forest  that  once 
covered  these  sandy  stretches.  Fire  after  fire  has  swept 
through  this  aspen  territory  till  now  in  a  few  localities  it  is 
nearly  as  bare  of  vegetation,  other  than  mosses  and  lichens, 
as  it  was  the  day  the  sullen  waters  of  the  glacial  lake  re- 
treated from  it  for  the  last  time.  Among  the  aspens  grow  the 
white  birch,  red  oak,  pine,  and  a  number  of  berry-bearing 
plants  such  as  the  blackberry,  huckleberry,  two  kinds  of  blue- 
berries, the  pin  cherry  and  the  wintergreen. 

The  habitats  discussed  in  this  paper  are  the  three  that  have 
been  described  at  some  length  in  the  foregoing  pages. 

The  tent  which  the  writer  lived  in  during  the  period  men- 
tioned was  located  on  the  beach  of  Douglas  Lake ;  obviously 
the  opportunities  for  observation  were  best  in  this  habitat ; 
furthermore  the  lake  was  rimmed  by  a  growth  of  pines  that 
stood  just  where  the  beach  and  the  aspens  meet.  There  was 
very  little  marsh  or  swamp  in  the  region ;  if  we  use  the  term 


176  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

swamp,  for  instance  to  designate  a  tract  of  wet  land  grown  up 
with  reeds  and  coarse  grasses,  cattails,  etc.,  but  without  any- 
conspicuous  woody  shrubs  cw  trees  as  is  the  case  with  the  bog. 

These  habitats  are  of  interest  only  in  their  relation  to  the 
birds  living  in  them.  Some  species  show  decided  preferences 
for  one  plant  association :  the  golden-crowned  kinglet  found 
only  in  the  cedar  bog,  the  junco  only  in  the  aspens ;  others  like 
the  hermit  thrush  were  more  generally  distributed,  being 
found  in  the  bog,  hardwoods,  and  aspens  alike.,  At  the  end 
of  June  there  is  quite  a  large  bird  population  in  the  asp'ens, 
but  by  the  middle  of  August  it  is  very  much  reduced  both  in 
numbers  of  individuals  and  of  species  observed.  A  half  day's 
jaunt  in  the  aspens  the  forenoon  of  July  8  gave  me  a  list  of  23 
species ;  two  days  before  a  similar  trip  in  the  hardwoods  gave 
41  species.  On  August  7  the  number  seen  on  a  sunny  fore- 
noon's trip  was  6  species ;  the  next  forenoon  in  the  hardwoods 
my  list  was  46  species. 

In  the  list  which  follows  will  be  found  the  English  names 
of  the  species,  the  habitat  preference  of  each  species,  the  fre- 
quency, the  abundance,  and  nesting  data  where  any  were 
gathered.  Frequency  and  abundance  as  here  used  need  a 
word  of  explanation.  The  former  term  refers  to  the  com- 
parative frequency  with  which  the  species,  not  the  individual, 
was  seen;  in  this  connection  I  have  used  three  degrees  as  fol- 
lows :  r  or  rare=rseen  from  1  to  4  times ;  c  or  common=seen 
from  5  to  20  times;  a  or  abundant=seen  more  than  20  times. 
Abundance,  on  the  other  hand,  applies  to  the  total  numbers 
of  individuals  of  the  dififerent  species  seen  during  a  given 
period ;  in  this  case  the  period  covers  from  June  30  to  August 
7,  stopping  before  the  fall  migration  gets  any  headway  to  dis- 
turb our  study  of  midsummer  birds.  (1)  under  abundance 
means  that  this  species  stands  highest  in  number  of  individual 
birds  seen,  227  in  our  study ;  at  the  other  end  of  the  scale  of 
abundance  (47)  means  that  only  1  bird  of  this  species  was 
identified.  With  this  explanation  it  will  not  be  difficult  to 
interpret  the  data : 


CoMPTON  —  The  Birds  of  Douglas  Lake  Region    177 


Name  of  Bird  Nests  or  Young  Abundance 

Bluebird   (38 

Robin,   younsj:    (17 

Hermit  thrnsli,  9  nests (  9 

Olive-baeked  tlirush,  1  nest (41 

Wood   tlirush    (47 

Wilson   thrush    (40 

Blue-,trra,v  ^niatcatcher   (40 

Golden-crowned  kinglet    (39 

Chickadee,  young   (-1 

Iie(14)reasted  nuthatch    (40 

White-breasted   nuthatch    (22 

Brown  creeper   (47 

Winter  wren   (23 

House  wren,  1  nest (30 

Brown  thrasher,  1  nest  and  young  (20 

Catbird  (42 

Redstart,  2  nests (14 

Canadian  warbler,  nest   ? (43 

Maryland  Yellow-throat,  nest   ? (32' 

Mourning  warl)ler,  nest  ? (40 

Ovenbird.  1    nest (11 

Pine  warbler,   nest  ? (34 

Black-thr  green  warbler,  young (29 

Blackburnian  warbler,  1  nest  and  y  (44 

Black-throated  blue  warbler (40 

Blackpoll  warbler,  young (40 

Tennessee  warbler    (40 

Chestnut-sided  warbler,  3  nests (21 

Myrtle  warbler    (40 

Yellow   warl)ler    (40 

Nashville   warbler    (40 

Black-and-white  warbler,   nest   ?...(34 

Blue-headed  vireo   (45 

Yellow-throated  vireo    (40 

Red-eyed  vireo,  1  nest  and  young..  (  5 
Cedar  Waxwing.  1  nest  and  young.  (   1 

Tree  swallow,  young (28 

Barn   swallow,  young (45 

Puriile  martin    (40 

Bank  swallow   (44 

Cliff  swallow,   young (32 

Scarlet  tanager,  1  nest (30 

Indigo  bunting,  1  nest (23 

Rose-breasted  grosbeak   (44 

Towhee,  4  nests (  4 

Goldfinch,  nest    ? (  7 

Purple  finch    (39 

Junco,    1    nest (15 

Song  sparrow,  2  nests  and  young..  (  2 

Swamp   sparrow    (40 

Field   sparrow    (47 

Chipping  sparrow,  2  nests  and  young  (1.3 

White-throated   sparrow,   young (18 

Lincoln's  sparrow,  young (45 


Frequency 


Habitat 


.  .0 

.  .a 
.  .a 
.  .r 


.cultivated  areas 

.all  habitats 

.all  hal)itats 

.hardwoods 
.  r . . bog 
. r.  .hardwoods 
.  r . . bog 
.  c . . bog 

.c.  .all  habitats 
.r. .bog 
.a.. bog  and  hardwoods 


hardwoods 
.  .c.  .hardwoods  and  bog 
..('..cultivated  areas 
.  .c.  .hardwoods  and  aspens 
.  .c.  .hardwoods  and  aspens 
.  .a.  .hardwoods  and  aspens 
.  .r.  .hardwoods  and  aspens 
.  .c.  .hardwoods  and  beach 
.  .r.  .hardwoods  and  beach 
.  .0.  .hardwoods  and  aspens 
..c. beach  (pines) 
.  .  c . .  hardwoods  and  bog 
.  .r.  .hardwoods  and  bog 

hardwoods 

hardwoods 

hardwoods 

hardwoods 
. .r. .beach  (pines) 
.  .r.  .cultivated  areas 

.  hardwood 

.  hardwood    and   bog 

.hardwoods 

.hardwoods 

.hwd,   bog  and  aspens 

.all   habitats 

.beach  and  open  water 

.cultivated  area 

.cultivated  area 

.beach  and  open  water 

.cultivated  area 

.  hardwoods 

.hardwoods  and  aspens 

.  hardwoods 

.all    habitats 
.  .a.  .all  habitats 
.  .c. .beach 
. .a. .aspens 

..a.. beach    and    hardwoods 
.  .r. .beach 
.  .r.  .hardwoods 
.  .a.  .hardwoods  and  aspens 
.  .a.  .hardwoods    and    bog 
.  .r.  .hardwoods 


.r. 
.r. 
.r. 

.c. 


r. 
.c. 
.r. 
.r. 
.a. 
.a. 
.c. 
.r. 
.r. 
.r. 
.c. 
.  .c. 
.c. 
.r. 
.a. 


178 


The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 


Name  of  Bird  Nests  or  Young 

Savanna   sparrow    

Vesper  sparrow.  4  nests  and  young. 

English  sparrow,  young 

Bronzed   grackle    

Meadowlark   

Red-winged   blaclibird,   young 

Cowbird,  young    

Bobolink,  young   

Crow,  young   

Blue  jay    

Prairie  horned  lark,  young 

Least  flycatcher    

Acadian  flycatcher   

Olive-sided  flycatcher  

Wood  pewee,  1  nest 

Phoebe,    2   nests 

Crested  flycatcher   

Kingbird,   young    

Hummingbird,  1  nest 

Chimney  swift   

Nighthawk    

Whippoorwill,  2  nests 

Northern  flicker,  1  nest 

Red-headed  woodpecker,  1  nest  &  y 

Yellow-bellied   sapsucker,   young 

Downy  woodpecker,   young 

Hairy  woodpecker    

Belted  kingfisher    

Black-billed   cuckoo    

Screech  owl    

Barred   owl    

Short-eared  owl   

Osprey    

Marsh  hawk   

Cooper's  hawk    

Sharp-shinned  hawk   

Broad-winged  hawk   

Sparrow  hawk   

Rose-breasted  Grosbeak,  young 

Bald  eagle   

Mourning   dove    

Ruffed  grouse,  young 

Quail    

Kildeer,    young    

Spotted  sandpiper,  1  nest  and  y... 

Solitary  sandpiper    

Virginia  rail.  1  nest 

Great  blue   heron 

Blue-winsed  teal    

Wood  du(  k    

Red-ln-easted  merganser,  young 

Bittern     

Buffle-head  duck    


Abundance     Frequency  Habitat 

45)  .  .r. .aspens 
. . a . . aspens 
.  .c.  .cultivated   areas 
.  .r. .beach 

.  .r.  .cultivated   areas 
.  .c. .beach 
.  .c.  .all  habitats 
. .  r . .  cult  i vated  a  reas 
.  .a.  .all  habitats 
. .  c . . bog 

.  .r.  .cultivated  areas 
.  .r.  .hardwoods 
.  .r.  .hardwoods 


.  .r.  .hardwoods 

.  .a.  .hardwoods  and  aspens 

.  .c.  .cultivated  areas 

. .  r . .  hardwoods 

.  .a.  .all  habitats 

.  .c.  .all  habitats 

.  .a.  .all  habitats 

.  .a.  .all  habitats 

. .a. .aspens 

.  .a.  .all  habitats 

.  .c.  .hardwoods 

.  .a.  .hardwoods 

.  .a.  .all  habitats 

.  .c.  .hardwoods 

. . a . . beach 

.  .r.  .hardwoods 

.hardwoods 

.hai'dwoods 

.  hardwoods 

.beach  and  open   water 

.aspens 

.hardwoods 

.hardwoods 

.hardwoods 

.hardwoods   and  aspens 

•  bog 

. beach 

.beach   and    aspens 

.hardwoods  and  aspens 

.cultivated   areas 

.beach 
. .a. .beach 
.  .r. .beach 

..r.. beach    and   swamp 
. .c. .beach 

. .  r . .  beach  and  open  water 
..r.. beach  and  open  water 
..c. beach  and  open  water 
.  .r.  .beach  and  open  water 
..c.beacli   and  open  water 


.  .r 
.  .r 
.  .r 
.  .r 
.  .c 
.  .r 
.  .r 
.  .r 
.  .r 
.  .r 
.  .r 
.  .r 
.  .a 
.  .r 
.  .0 


CoMPTON  —  The  Birds  of  Douglas  Lake  Regiox    179 

Name  of  Bird  Nests  or  Young  Abundance     Frequency  Habitat 

Common   tern    (-t(!)  .  .r.  .l)e;ifli  and  open  water 

Caspian    tern    C.VA)  .  .c.  .l)eaeh   and  open  water 

Pied-billed   sreiie    (47) .  .r.  .beaoli   and  open  water 

Loon,   younij; (28)  .  .e.  .beach   and  open  water 

Only  such  nests  as  were  found  actually  occupied  by  the 
birds  are  recorded  as  "  nests,"  the  accompanying  numeral  in- 
dicating the  number  belonging  to  that  particular  species.  The 
word  "  young  "  is  used  to  indicate  that  young  of  the  species 
were  observed  outside  of  the  parental  nest.  "Nest?"  is  used 
to  designate  a  probable  nest,  probability  being  based  on  see- 
ing the  parent  bird  with  a  larva  in  its  beak,  at  the  same  time 
showing  great  concern  over  the  approach  of  the  writer. 

12  of  the  species  on  the  list  show  a  decided  preference  for 
the  society  of  man,  for  his  houses,  barns,  cultivated  lands  and 
the  like.  With  the  11  native  birds  this  preference  is  doubt- 
less acquired  recently  in  a  biological  sense,  the  other,  the 
English  sparrow  has  doubtless  had  this  preference  for  a  long 
period  of  time  even  as  biologists  reckon  it.  They  are  the 
bluebird,  house  wren,  ^-ellow  warbler,  barn  swallow,  purple 
martin,  clifif  swallow,  meadowlark,  bobolink,  prairie  horned 
lark,  phoebe,  and  quail ;  these  all  rank  low  in  the  scale  of 
abundance,  the  house  wren  (30)  being  most  abundant,  the 
average  for  the  11  about  41. 

The  habitats  most  characteristic  of  the  wilderness  are  the 
bog  and  the  aspens,  of  our  list  6  belong  to  the  former  and  5 
to  the  latter ;  it  w^ill  be  noted  that  together  they  equal  the 
number  of  native  speci'cs  showing  a  preference  for  human 
society.  The  vesper  sparrow  has  an  abundance  of  (8)  and 
the  whippoorwill  (12),  but  the  others  rank  much  like  the 
birds  of  the  preceding  paragraph. 

35  species  show-ed  no  decided  preference  of  any  kind,  but 
were  quite  generally  distributed  thruout  the  territory.  To 
this  group  belong  the  cedar  waxwing  (1),  song  sparrow  (2), 
crow  (3),  and  towhee  (4).  Of  the  chewink  or  towdiee  Bar- 
rows says :  "  It  is  far  from  common  about  Little  Traverse  in 
Emmett  County."  ^  It  is  only  two  miles  to  the  Emmett- 
^Michigan    Bird    Life,    W.   B.  Barrows,  1912,  page  526. 


180  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

Cheyboygan  county-line  from  the  Station  and  only  twenty  to 
the  Little  Traverse  Bay  at  Bay  View. 

Of  the  25  listed  as  belonging-  to  the  "  beach  "  or  to  "  the 
beach  and  open  water  "  only  14  will  probably  be  called  water 
birds.  Of  these  the  spotted  sandpiper  has  an  abundancs  of 
(6)  and  the  red-breasted  merganser  (17),  while  the  others 
rank  rather  low,  from  (28)  to  the  lowest  of  all  (47).  Pos- 
sibly Douglas  Lake  is  too  small  to  compete  successfully  with 
the  larger  lakes,  Burt,  Mullet,  Huron  and  Michigan,  none 
of  which  is  more  than  20  miles  away,  for  the  favor  of  the 
gulls  and  terns,  and  possessed  of  too  little  swamp  to  com- 
pete with  Indian  and  Crooked  Rivers  for  the  favor  of  the 
coots  and  bitterns.  Two  trips  were  made  to  these  rivers  and 
on  each  of  them  large  numbers  of  swamp  birds  were  seen, 
but  they  are  too  far  from  the  Station  to  be  visited  regularly ; 
for  this  reason  the  records  are  unavailable  for  our  purpose. 


A  HERMIT  THRUSH  STUDY. 

BY  CORDELIA  J.  STANWOOD. 

A  hill  wooded  with  gray  birches  and  evergreens  slopes 
down  to  a  peat  bog.  Just  above  the  swale  grows  the  painted 
trillium  that  carries  at  its  snowy  heart  the  symbol  of  the 
Trinity  in  royal  purple.  One  morning  as  I  plucked  a  hand- 
ful of  these  dainty  blooms,  I  flushed  a  brooding  Herm'.t  from 
her  eggs.  A  small  fir  shaded  the  nest.  The  three  green- 
blue  eggs  made  a  charming  bit  of  color  against  the  dull 
orange  lining  of  pine  needles. 

Twelve  days  later  I  visited  the  nest  again.  The  woods 
were  now  sweet  with  linnea  and  three  fascinating  little 
Thrushes,  about  seven  days  old,  welcomed  me  with  a  wide 
expanse  of  golden  throat.  The  young  birds  had  beautiful, 
large  eyes ;  the  natal  down  was  conspicuous  at  the  close  of 
the  quill  stage;  and  the  tips  of  the  olive  and  buffy  feathers 
were  just  beginning  to  show  beyond  the  quill  casings. 

I  was  anxious  to  try  an   experiment  with  tame  Thrushes, 


Stanwood  —  A  Hermit  Thrush  Study  181 


Tame   Hermit  Thrushes, 
photo  by  cordelia  j.  stanwood 


183  .      The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

so  I  carried  the  little  birds  home.  The  journey  to  my  home 
did  not  disturb  them  in  the  least.  They  ate  bountifully  of 
bread  and  milk  from  a  little  gold-lined,  silver  spoon,  took  a 
few  drops  of  water-  and  slept  the  greater  part  of  the  day  with 
their  heads  straight  in  front  of  them. 

After  the  first  day,  I  varied  their  diet  with  earthworms, 
ants'  eggs,  steak,  wild  pears,  strawberries,  a  spider,  or  a 
fly  occasionally,  and  a  grasshopper  when  I  was  able  to  find  it. 

Until  the  morning  of  the  fourth  day  the  Hermits  remained 
as  distinctly  inside  the  small  nest  as  if  an  invisible  wall  sep- 
arated them  from  all  else.  They  grew  rapidly,  ate  well, 
preened  vigorously,  scratched  their  ears  with  their  toes,  and 
although  the  nest  was  quite  deep,  voided  all  excrement  with- 
oiit  it,  sometimes  standing  on  the  edge  of  the  nest  to  do  so. 

In  the  middle  of  the  morning  of  the  fourth  day,  they  slow- 
ly and  cautiously  stole  forth  from  the  nest,  one  at  a  time, 
just  as  they  do  in  the  wild  woods.  From  that  moment  they 
insisted  on  flying  and  perching  and  refused  to  snuggle  down 
anywhere. 

During  the  eleven  days  that  followed,  I  carried  the  birds 
to  the  woods  for  part  of  each  day,  or  the  entire  day  and  let 
them  run  wild.  At  night  I  took  them  in  and  they  perched  at 
dark  in  the  balsam  boughs  that  I  placed  for  them  over  a' door. 
At'  first  I  remained  near  them  all  the  time  that  they  were  in 
the  woods,  and  fed  them  as  they  came  for  food.  Later  I 
put  them  out  early  in  the  morning,  and  went  and  fed  them 
as  often  as  once  in  two  hours. 

The  first  afternoon  in  the  woods,  I  saw  one  Hermit  take  a 
sunbath  with  his  feathers  all  flufifed  out,  one  pick  up  a  small 
brown  caterpillar,  and  another  several  mouthfuls  of  earth. 

The  moment  that  I  put  the  Thrushes  down  near  a  shallow 
pool  below  the  spring,  and  rippled  the  water  with  my  hand, 
the  birds  entered  the  pool,  drank,  and  splashed  the  water  all 
over  themselves.  These  irresistible,  immature  birds,  going 
to  the  water  so  slowly,  cautiously,  and  surely,  and  bathing 
after  the  exact  patterns  handed  down  to  them  made  an  awe- 
some as  well  as  a  pretty  picture. 


Stanwood  —  A  Hermit  Thrush  Study  183 

Between  feeding  times  when  the  birds  were  not  seeking 
food  for  themselves,  they  Hked  to  snuggle  down  on  the  pine 
needles  under  low  firs,  or  among  dead  leaves  and  sticks  in 
hollows,  or  to  perch  on  dead  branches  or  stumps.  The 
Thrushes  resembled  their  surroundings  so  closely  that  I  was 
in  constant  fear  lest  I  should  step  on  one.  I  always  examined 
the  ground  carefully  before  advancing  a  step. 

When  in  the  woods,  the  birds  kept  in  touch  by  a  very  sweet, 
low  call  that  sounded  like  phee.  A  bird  became  uneasy  at 
once  if  he  lost  his  mates.  I  heard  them  call  peep  frequently, 
and  also  chuck  once.  One  day  when  I  covered  a  little  bird 
in  a  basket  to  take  him  to  the  studio,  he  gave  the  pitiful  call 
that  the  parents  give  when  concerned  for  the  safety  of  the 
young  in  the  nest,  a  call  that  sounds  like  a  deep  sigh. 

Even  after  the  young  had  been  in  the  woods  for  several 
days,  they  would  have  suffered  for  food  and  water  without  my 
constant  care.  I  found  that  it  was  necessary  to  select  a  new 
feeding  place  for  them  where  they  must  find  water,  and  where 
they  could  not  avoid  the  wild  birds  that  came  to  drink  and 
bathe. 

When  the  Hermits  were  about  fifteen  days  old,  they  awoke 
me  one  morning,  calling  for  food.  I  fed  them  and  returned 
to  my  room.  When  one  became  hungry  again,  he  perched 
on  the  molding  of  the  door  through  which  I  disappeared  and 
called  until  I  came  and  fed  him. 

When  seventeen  days  old,  the  Thrushes  were  able  to  pick 
up  anything  from  the  floor  such  as  ants,  ant's  eggs,  flying 
ants,  small  spiders,  and  the  like. 

Often  tame  young  birds  will  follow  voices,  and  fly  up  onto 
a  stranger  and  beg  for  food  instead  of  helping  themselves. 
To  counteract  this  tendency  in  my  Thrushes,  I  never  exhibited 
them  to  company  at  home,  I  never  took  visitors  to  see  them 
in  the  woods,  I  never  called  them  save  at  the  feeding  place, 
I  never  answered  their  welcoming  peeps  until  I  arrived  at 
the  feeding  tree.  Although  I  loved  them  dearly,  I  never 
petted  or  coddled  them.  And  I  never  spared  myself  any  ex- 
ertion that  would  add  to  their  health,  comfort,  or  safety. 


184 


The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 


Painted  Trillium. 
In  the  environment  of  the  Hermit  Thrush. 

PHOTO    BY    CORDELIA   J.    STANWOOD 


Staxwood  —  A  Hermit  Thrush  Study  185 

When  the  Thrushes  came  to  feed,  they  liked  to  perch  on 
my  arms,  head,  or  fly  into  my  lap.  They  disliked  being  held 
across  the  wings,  and  strenuously  resisted  being  caught. 
Every  day  they  became  more  swift  in  their  movements,  more 
sensitivs  to  sounds,  and  less  dependent  on  the  food  supply 
that  I  brought  to  them. 

I  saw  them  pick  up  brown  and  green  caterpillars,  moths, 
and  ants,  besides  such  food  as  I  left  on  the  ground  for  them 
as  spruce  bud  moths,  grasshoppers,  earthworms,  ants'  eggs, 
wild  pears  and  wdld  strawberries. 

A  few  days  later,  after  I  began  to  leave  the  Thrushes  out 
nights,  there  came  a  severe  rain  storm.  I  was  able  to  visit 
the  Thrushes  but  twice  that  day.  I  found  them  dry  save  the 
tips  of  their  tail  feathers  and  not  very  hungry.  The  follow- 
ing day  I  carried  food  to  them  three  times.  On  one  of  these 
trips,  a  little  Thrush  came  to  meet  me,  dripping  from  his 
bath  in  the  spring.  Although  the  feeding  tree  was  not  more 
than  six  yards  from  the  wire  fence  that  separated  the  woods 
from  the  open  pasture  and  the  spring,  I  never  knew  the 
Thrushes  to  come  through  the  wire  fence  when  anyone  was  at 
the  spring. 

They  now  ate  so  rapidly  that  it  was  awkward  for  them  to 
open  their  mouths  sufficiently  to  take  steak  from  the  scissors, 
and  there  was  danger  of  cutting  their  mouths  or  throats.  A 
mouthful  or  two  sufficed  and  they  darted  away.  They  were 
also  extremely  quiet  and  started  and  listened  at  every  sound. 

The  Thrushes  were  so  w^ell  able  to  care  for  themselves 
that  it  seemed  needlessly  cruel  to  toll  them  to  a  certain  spot 
with  food  where  animals  of  prey  might  lie  in  wait  for  them. 
My  frequent  visits,  also,  kept  them  from  their  kind.  Their 
parents  drank  and  bathed  at  this  same  spring.  I  did  not  visit 
the  feeding  spot  again.  I  never  saw  or  heard  of  the  Thrush- 
es again. 

I  have  lived  with  several  Thrush  families  and  I  do  not  hesi- 
tate to  affirm  that  this  experiment  might  not  have  been  so 
successful  with  all  of  them.  Most  young  Thrushes  when 
tamed,  particularly  when  excessively  petted,  loose  all  instinct 


186  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

for  caring  for  themselves ;  they  are  little  fool  birds.  How- 
ever, Thrush  character  varies ;  it  is  as  beautiful  and  flexible 
as  the  bird's  wonderful  voice.  While  nearly  all  Thrushes 
are  extremely  gentle  and  affectionate,  I  must  confess  that  the 
only  bird  that  ever  dealt  me  a  blinding  blow  in  the  eyes  with 
his  wings,  when  I  accidentally  startled  the  young  from  the 
nest  was  an  'extremely  beautiful  specimen  of  the  Hermit 
Thrush.  In  one  family  I  have  found  one  helpless  little  bird 
that  insisted  on  sitting  in  my  note  book  all  the  time,  with  two 
that  resented  too  much  attention. 

June  15,  1912,  I  found  a  Hermit  Thrush  incubating  three 
egg-s. 

June  26,  the  young  Hermit  Thrushes  were  seven  days  old ; 
it  was  the  end  of  the  quill  stage ;  I  took  the  young  Thrushes 
to  study. 

June  29,  the  young  Hermits  left  the  nest. 

June  30-July  10,  the  young  Thrushes  spent  part  or  all  of 
each  day  in  the  woods  learning  to  feed.  They  perched  in 
fir  boughs  in  the  house  at  night. 

July  10-July  15,  I  freed  the  Thrushes  entirely  and  fed 
them  what  was  necessary. 

July  15.  the  Thrushes  appeared  to  be  in  an  almost  natural 
state.    They  were  entirely  competent  to  care  for  themselves. 


A  BRIEF  STUDY  OF  THE  NEST  LIFE  OF  THE 
•     BLACK-THROATED  GREEN  WARBLER. 

BY  CORDELIA  J.  STAN  WOOD. 

Beside  a  shady  path  that  marked  the  course  of  a  neglected 
woodroad,  a  pair  of  Black-throated  Green  Warblers  con- 
structed a  nest,  near  the  tip  of  a  branch  of  a  large  spruce 
tree,  but  three  and  one-half  feet  above  the  ground.  It  is 
not  very  often  that  the  Black-throated  Green  Warbler  pro- 
vides the  student  with  such  an  excellent  opportunity  for  study- 
ing her  nest.     Usually  these  birds  build  at  a  greater  elevation. 


Stanwood — Black-throated  Green  Warbler     187 

This  spruce  stood  in  a  clump  of  firs  that  bordered  an  open 
space  in  the  woods. 

There  was  just  room  enough  among  the  trees  to  erect  a 
small  balsam  blind.  When  it  was  completed,  my  face  was 
about  a  yard  from  the  nest,  and  it  was  so  dusky  in  the  tent, 
that  there  was  little  fear  of  the  birds  becoming  aware  of  my 
presence,  save  when  I  moved. 

As  usual,  the  nest  was  a  dainty-looking,  soft,  strong,  warm 
cradle.  Fine  spruce  twigs,  curls  of  birch  bark,  bits  of  dead 
wood,  secured  and  cemented  together  with  spiders'  silk,  gave 
the  substantial  foundation.  The  lining  consisted  of  plant 
down  similar  to  that  of  the  cinnamon  fern,  a  few  threads  of 
black  plant  fibre,  and  a'  few  of  the  dull,  orange  setae  of  some 
moss  such  as  dicranum  pulled  before  they  were  ripe.  The 
nest  was  just  large  enough  to  accomodate  four,  plump,  hun- 
gry, sleepy,  little  Warblers. 

Hidden  in  the  blind,  I  saw  the  mother  bird  brood  the 
young,  cleanse  the  nest  by  burrowing  under  the  young,  and 
carry  away  the  excrement.  The  diet  of  the  young  consisted 
of  brown,  white,  gray  moths,  a  fly-like  insect,  a  bee-like 
insect,  a  small  beetle  similar  to  the  larder  beetle,  and  a  large 
number  of  smooth  caterpillars,  both  green  and  brown.  Some- 
times the  mother  bird  fed  three  brown  or  three  green  caterpil- 
lars to  one  nestling  at  a  time.  Often  besides  the  insect  that 
I  was  able  to  distinguish,  was  a  mass  of  other  insect  food  that 
I  was  unable  to  place.  Usually  each  bird  fed  several  nest- 
lings at  each  feeding  but  not  more  than  three  at  one  feeding. 

The  first  day  after  the  tent  was  constructed,  I  observed 
three  hours  in  the  afternoon — from  18:37  to  3:05  p.  m.  A 
bird  cam'e  a  dozen  minutes  after  I  entered  the  blind.  Dur- 
ing that  time,  the  male  fed  the  young  nine  times,  and  car- 
ried away  the  excrement  three  times :  the  female  fed  the 
young  nine  times  ;  one  visit  was  made  by  a  bird  whose  sex 
I  did  not  determine :  the  rate  of  feeding  the  young  was  once 
in  nine  and  one-half  minutes  ;  during  my  stay,  I  saw  a  few 
of  the  insects  fed  to  the  young;  among  them  were  seven 
smooth,  green  caterpillars,  two  brown  moths,  and  three  gray 


188  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

moths ;  when  the  female  fed  the  young  she  twittered  sint, 
sint,  sint. 

At  this  stage  the  young  twittered  faintly  when  the  birds 
came,  gave  a  vigorous  food  reaction,  preened  a  great  deal  and 
yawned.  They  had  yellow  beaks,  brownish  at  the  tip,  throats 
lined  with  red,  greenish-grey  upper  parts,  wings  darker  than 
the  back,  two  buffy-yellow  wing-bars,  buffy-yellow  under- 
parts,  and  almost  invisible  streaks  on  the  breast.  Most  of  the 
time  the  young  rested  their  beaks  on  the  rim  of  the  nest,  at 
other  times  they  raised  them  at  an  angle  of  60°. 

The  parent  birds  had  formed  a  habit  of  walking  out  the 
branch  to  the  west  side  of  the  nest,  but  when  both  birds  came 
at  the  same  time,  the  male  sometimes  came  to  the  north  side 
of  the  nest  and  the  female  to  the  east. 

The  following  morning  I  was  present  at  the  blind  from  7 
a.  m.  to  11 :11  a.  m. — four  hours  and  eleven  minutes.  Dur- 
ing this  time  the  parent  birds  fed  the  young  once  in  seven 
and  one-half  minutes.  The  male  brought  food  thirteen  times, 
and  the  female  sixteen  times.  On  the  bill  of  fare  I  saw  one 
fly-like  insect,  one  bee-like  insect,  one  beetle  similar  to  the 
larder  beetle,  ten  smooth  green  caterpillars,  eleven  smooth 
brown  caterpillars,  one  white  moth  and  three  brown  moths. 
The  morning  was  very  wet  and  foggy.  The  young  are  more 
hungry  at  this  time  of  day,  and  usually  more  caterpillars  and 
fewer  moths  are  served,  I  suppose  on  account  of  the  damp- 
ness. 

The  eyes  of  the  young  looked  intelligent ;  one  called  when 
the  parent  left  the  nest ;  they  all  snuggled  down  in  the  nest 
when  I  moved  in  the  blind. 

In  the  evening  I  spent  an  hour  in  the  blind.  At  7 :25 
the  female  fed  the  young.  I  remained  in  the  blind  until  8 
P.  M.  It  was  so  dark  in  that  part  of  the  woods  that  the  nest 
ceased  to  be  visible.     I  saw  nothing  more  of  the  parent  birds. 

Two  days  later  the  young  were  still  in  the  nest  in  the  morn- 
ing. At  noon  the  little  grove  was  deserted  and  the  nest  of 
the  Black-throated  Green  Warbler  was  "  To  Let." 


Cahn  —  Food   of    Nestling    Birds 


189 


THE   DETERMINATION   OF   THE   FOOD  OF   NEST- 
LING BIRDS. 

BY   ALVIN   R.   CAHN. 

I  note  with  interest  the  discussion  regarding-  the  relative 
value  of  field  observations  and  laboratory  examinations  in 
the  d'etermination  of  the  food  of  nestling  birds,  and  beg 
leave  as  an  "  outsider  "  to  say  a  word  on  the  subject,  and  to 
offer  a  suggestion.  The  controversy,  in  a  word,  seems  to  be : 
Are  field  observations  of  the  food  of  nsstling  birds  of  any 


House  Wren  with  Food  for  Youxg. 
photo  by  a.  e.  cahn 

value  as  compared  with  the  laboratory  examination  of  stom- 
ach  contents  ?  ^     My  answer  to  this   question  would  be  that 
^W.  L.  M..  Auk  XXXI.  .July.  1914.  pp.  420-421  vs.  T.  C.  Stephens, 
Wilson  Bui..   XXIV,    Sept..    1014.   pp.   1."5T-1G1. 


190  The  Wif.soN  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

each  method  serves  its  own  end,  and  that  neither  can  to  any 
extent  supplant  the  other ;  that  there  are  at  least  two  big  prob- 
lems in  connection  with  the  food  of  birds :  the  determination 
of  the  specific  food,  and  the  amount  of  food  eaten,  and  each 
problem  demands  a  different  method  of  solution. 

Laboratory  examination  of  the  stomach  contents  yields  at 
best  a  list  of  specific  material  which  chanced  to  be  in  the  pro- 
cess of  digestion  at  the  time  the  fledgeling  was  killed — a  list 
of  species  which,  as  W.  L.  M.  states,  requires  an  accomplished 
entomologist  to  compile.  Given  the  tarsus  of  a  beetle,  it 
would  indeed  require  an  expert  systematic  entomologist  to 
place  that  appendage  in  the  proper  family,  genus  and  species 
to  which  its  owner  belonged.  And  with  the  very  many  spe- 
cies of  beetles  which  abound  in  nearly  every  habitat,  it  would 
probably  require  a  specialist  in  Coleoptera  to  perform  the 
task  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  exacting  scientific  world.  In 
a  similar  way  it  would  require  a  specialist  in  Lepidoptera  to 
ascertain  with  any  degree  of  certainty  the  species  of  moth 
or  butterfly  to  which  a  head,  a  particle  of  wing,  or  an  isolated 
leg  belonged.  The  great  advantage  of  stomach  examina- 
tions is  the  determination  of  sfrcciHc  animals  eaten,  and  unless 
this  is  exact,  the  value  of  the  method  as  a  means  of  deter- 
mining the   food  of  the  bird  is   minimized. 

Field  observations,  on  the  other  hand,  should  yield  data  on 
the  amount  rather  than  on  the  species  eaten.  It  is  no  difficult 
matter  to  watch  the  feeding  of  nestlings,  whether  the  neigh- 
borly warbler  and  sparrow,  or  the  hawk  nesting  on  the  face 
of  a  perpendicular  cliff.  I  have  sat  in  a  blind  four  feet  from 
the  nest  of  a  Redstart  and  have  watched  the  actions  of  the 
young  and  parents ;  I  have  removed  the  Song  Sparrows  from 
the  nest  and  had  the  parents  feed  them,  perched  on  my  fin- 
ger, within  less  than  a  foot  of  my  eyes  ;  I  have  sat  above  the 
nest  of  the  Duck  Hawk  and  watched  the  daily  life  of  the 
birds  through  powerful  binoculars,  and  identified  the  birds 
that  were  brought  in  for  the  young.  In  every  case  I  feel 
sure  that  I  could  have  gathered  much  data  on  the  amount 
of  food  administered  to  the  youngsters  had  I  given  my  at- 
tention  to   that  phase   of   the   subject.     I    think,   also,   that    I 


Cahn  —  Food   of    Nestling    Birds 


191 


Blueiiirds  with  Food, 
photo  by  a.  r.  cahn 


192 


The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 


could  have  determined  many  of  the  more  familiar  insects  with 
some  certainty,  though  not  with  that  degree  of  certainty  an 
expert  entomologist  would  were  he  examining  the  remains 
under  a  microscope.  As  it  was,  my  attention  was  given  to 
photographing  the  home  life  of  the  birds,  and  particularly 
of  the  parents,  which  brings  me  to  the  suggestion  I  would 
offer. 

As  long  as  we  admit  that  field  observations  are  not  carried 
on  with  the  idea  of  determining  the  specific  food,  I  would 
suggest  the  use  of  the  camera  as  an  amount  determinant, — 


Robin  Feeding  with  Food  Massed  in  the  Bill, 
photo  by  a.  k.  cahn 


not  that  I  would  leave  it  to  the  camera  to  determine  the 
amount  of  food  administered ;  I  would  use  the  camera  as  a 
check  upon  the  observations  made.  There  are  few  of  our 
common  birds  that  will  not  eventually  become  reconciled  to 
the  presence  of  a  camera  either  artfully  concealed  or  without 
any  attempt  at  concealment  placed  three  or  four  feet  from  the 
nestlings.     If  the  birds  object  to  the  presence  of  the  observ- 


Young  —  Flight    of   Shore    Birds  193 

cr,  the  undesirable  party  may  withdraw,  and  operate  the  cam- 
era by  means  of  a  thread,  watching  the  birds  through  a  field 
glass,  and  taking  the  picture  at  the  psychological  moment. 
Why  not  let  the  cyclopic  eye  of  the  camera  verify  the  obser- 
vations on  the  amount  of  food  given  the  young?  I  admit 
that  I  have  not  tried  this  out,  but  I  find  in  looking  over  my 
negatives  that  I  have  quite  a  number  of  photographs  showing 
the  parent  with  a  definite  amount  of  food  in  the  bill,  and  I 
think  that  possibly  very  definite  results  might  be  obtained  af- 
ter a  little  experience,  if  the  object  were  kept  in  mind.  To 
illustrate  my  point  I  ofifer  the  photographs  accompanying 
this  note.  Whether  these  will  show  as  clearly  in  print  as 
they  do  on  lantern  slides  is  very  doubtful  indeed,  but  the 
slides,  when  projected  on  a  screen,  show  the  food  in  great 
detail,  so  that  it  may  be  roughly  identified. 


A  FLIGHT  OF  SHORE-BIRDS  NEAR  YOUNGSTOWN, 

OHIO. 

BY  JOHN   P.   YOUNG. 

Near  North  Lima,  Mahoning  County,  Ohio,  there  is  a  res- 
ervoir of  about  400  acres  area,  made  by  damming  the  outlet 
of  an  old  tamarack  swamp.  Many  water  birds  stop  at  this 
lake  in  the  migrations,  and  this  article  is  written  to  tell  of  a 
heavy  migration  of  shore-birds  which  occurred  on  August 
10  and  11,  1914. 

Our  first  visit  to  the  lake  after  the  return  of  the  shore-birds 
was  on  July  27th,  when  we  found  Pectoral,  Least,  Semipal- 
mated  and  Solitary  Sandpipers,  Wilson's  Snipe,  Great  Blue 
Heron  and  Black  Tern.  On  August  3,  in  addition  to  the 
above,  we  found  the  Semipalmated  Plover,  Yellow-legs,  and 
Dowitcher. 

On  August  10  and  11  there  were  many  shore-birds  of  the 
common  kinds,  and  in  addition  we  saw  4  Western  Willets,  4 
Dowitchers,  one  Western  Sandpiper,  one  White-rumped 
Sandpiper,  one  Greater  Yellow-legs,  2  Red-backed  Sand- 
pipers, also  the  Common  Tern.     On  these  days  there  were 


194  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

many  more  shore-birds  than  there  have  been  any  day  since, 
so  far  as  we  know  from  our  rather  frequent  visits. 

The  Western  Willets  seen  were  the  first  we  have  recorded, 
and  they  were  still  there  August  13th.  The  Dowitchers 
were  not  seen  after  the  11th. 

The  Western  Sandpiper  seemed  to  Hke  the  surroundings, 
as  we  saw  it  there  for  almost  two  weeks,  presumably  the  same 
bird.  It  was  found  with  the  Least  and  Semipalmated  Sand- 
pipers, and  in  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Fordyce,  and  myself,  was 
easily  recognizable  by  the  long  bill.  (This  is  the  first  record 
for  the  Western  Sandpiper  Erciinetes  mauri  for  Ohio.  The 
fact  that  the  species  occurs  on  the  Atlantic  coast  during  the 
southward  migration,  and  is  more  or  less  regular  in  Missouri, 
Iowa,  and  Wisconsin,  would  make  its  occurrence  in  Ohio  cas- 
ual rather  than  accidental.  Ed.) 

The  White-rumped  Sandpiper  was  seen  on  August  10  and 
11,  and  on  October  29,  and  was  quite  tame.  It  would  re- 
main on  the  shore  after  the  other  birds  had  flown  from  the 
approaching  observer.  On  one  occasion  I  got  within  fifteen 
feet  of  it  before  it  flushed.  When  it  did  fly  it  showed  the 
white  rump  very  plainly,  but  even  when  feeding  it  was  rath- 
er easily  differentiated  from  Pectorals  and  other  sandpipers 
v/ith  which  it  was  associated. 

The  appearance  of  the  Red-backed  Sandpipers  and  the 
Greater  Yellow-legs  was  unusually  early  according  to  our 
records. 

On  August  13  the  larger  part  of  these  birds  had  disappeared, 
and  since  that  time  no  unusually  large  flights  have  been  seen, 
though  the  Sanderling,  Black-bellied  Plover,  and  Golden  Plov- 
er have  come  along  in  due  time.  Only  one  Sanderling  has 
been  seen,  as  our  beaches  are  not  very  sandy.  The  Black- 
bellied  Plover  has  been  more  numerous  this  year  than  be- 
fore, and  four  or  five  individuals  have  been  seen  at  frequent 
intervals. 

.  The  following  extract  from  the  Journal  of  ^Ir.  W.  E. 
Clyde  Todd,  may  throw  some  light  upon  this  remarkable 
flight: 

"Great  Whale  River,  Hudson  Bav,  Aug.  7,  1914.— Heavy 


Henninger  —  Corrections  to  A.  O.  U.  Checklist  195 

storm  of  wind  and  rain  from  the  west,  the  worst  I  have  ever 
seen  in  this  country.  Worked  on  our  birds  all  morning  and  in 
the  afternoon  went  out  along  the  beach  to  the  mouth  of  the 
river,  and  thence  northward  to  where  the  sandy  beach  gave 
way  to  a  rocky  ridge.  The  wind  nearly  blew  me  off  my  feet 
and  birds  were  naturally  very  scarce." 

We  believe  that  the  Wood  Duck  bred  in  the  swamp  at  the 
lower  end  of  this  reservoir,  as  they  were  seen  a  number  of 
times  during  August  and  September.  On  September  3  we 
saw  13  of  them. 


CORRECTIONS   OF    THE   A.    O.    U.    CHECKLIST    IN 
REGARD  TO  BIRDS  OF  OHIO. 

BY    W.    F.    HENNINGER. 

When  the  writer  reviewed  the  last  A.  O.  U.  Checklist  in  the 
Wilson  Bulletin,  Sept..  Dec,  No.  1910,  pp.  198-199  he  made 
the  statement  that  evidently  neither  the  pages  of  the  Wilson 
Bulletin  nor  any  Ohio  ornithologist  had  been  consulted  by  the 
authors,  who  worked  out  the  geographical  ranges  of  the  birds, 
as  otherwise  'errors  and  omissions  concerning  this  state  would 
not  be  found  so  frequently  in  it.  Some  time  later  on  a  simi- 
lar statement  was  made  concerning  another  state  in  the  col- 
umns of  the  Auk.  Thereupon  the  writer  corresponded  with 
the  editor  of  the  "  x\uk  "  concerning  Ohio  birds  and  sent  a 
complete  list  of  the  changes  that  should  be  made.  A  long 
time  has  since  elapsed  during  which  the  writer  expected  the 
list  to  appear  in  the  Auk  as  that  was  the  impression  he  got 
from  this  correspondence,  but  as  this  was  never  done  he 
thinks  it  is  time  that  the  correct  records  appear  in  print  so 
that  any  one  can  change  his  checklist  accordingly.  They  are 
herewith  appended ;  and  one  glance  will  suffice  to  show  how 
incomplete  the  checklist  is  without  them  as  far  as  the  status 
of  many  birds  is  concerned  in  Ohio  and  this  no  doubt  will 
be  true  in  regard  to  other  states. 

1.  Garia  immer. — Does  not  breed  in  Ohio.  (Jones.  Wils.  Bull., 
June.  1909,  p.  68.) 


196  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

2.  Stercorariiis  pomav'mus. — Casual  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat.  Ohio 
Birds,  p.  26.) 

3.  Sterna  antillarum. — Occurs  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat.  Ohio  Birds, 
p.  33.) 

4.  Oceanites  oceaniciis. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Henninger,  Auk, 
1907,   p.  447.) 

5.  Anhinga  anhmga. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Wils.  Bull., 
June,  1905,  p.  64.) 

6.  Anas  platyrhynclms. — Breeds  in  Ohio.  (Wils.  Bull.,  Dec. 
1912,  and  other  records.) 

7.  Oidemiw  perspicillata. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Wils. 
Bull.,  Dec.  1908,  p.  210.) 

8.  Branta  canadensis. — Winters  regularly  in  Southern  Ohio. 
(Henninger,  Wils.  Bull.,  Sept.  1902,  p.  80.) 

9.  Branta  hernicla  glaucogastra. — Rare  in  Ohio.  (Jones  and 
Fisher,  Wils.  Bull.,  Dec.  1908,  p.  210.) 

10.  Plegadis  aiitimmaUs. — Casual  north  to  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat 
Ohio  Birds,  p.  216.) 

11.  Ixohryclius  neoxenus. — Rare  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Wils.  Bull., 
March,  1908,  p.  50  and  Auk,  1907,  p.  338.) 

12.  Herodias  egretta. — Casual  north  to  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat.  Ohio 
Birds,  p.  54.) 

13.  Egretta  candddissima. — Casual  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat.  Ohio 
Birds,  p.  55.) 

14.  Florida  caerulea. — Wanders  rather  regularly  to  Ohio.  (Hen- 
ninger, Auk,  Jan.  1910,  p.  66,  Dawson's  Birds  of  Ohio,  and  Jones, 
Cat.  Ohio  Birds,  p.  55.) 

15.  G^rus  mexicana. — Still  breeds  in  Ohio.  (Several  records  pub- 
lished and  unpublished.) 

16.  Coturnicops  novcboracensis. — Breeds  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat. 
Ohio  Birds.)  Set  of  eggs  taken  by  Dr.  B.  R.  Bales  of  Circleville, 
Ohio,  identified  in  1909  at  Smithsonian  Institution.  (Apologies  due 
Dr.  Bales.) 

17.  lonornis  martinica. — Irregularly  north  to  Ohio  in  summer. 
(Jones,  Cat.  Ohio  Birds,  p.  61  and  Dawson's  Birds  of  Ohio.) 

18.  Recurvirostra  americana. — 'Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat. 
Ohio  Birds,  p.   64.) 

19.  Hinnantopus  mexicanus. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat. 
Ohio  Birds,  p.  64.) 

20.  Oallinago  delicata. — Winters  north  locally  to  Ohio.  (Jones, 
Cat.  Ohio  Birds,  p.  67.) 

21.  Macrorhamphxis  griseus  scolopacens. — Rare  migrant  in  Ohio. 
(Jones,  Cat.  O.  B.,  p.  68.) 


Henninger  —  Corrections  to  A.  O.  U.  Checklist  197 

22.  Pisobia  bairdi. — Irregular  migrant  in  Oliio.  (^Vlleaton,  Jones, 
Henninger  and  Wils.  Bull.,   Sept.   1909,  p.   126.) 

23.  Catoptrophorus  seniipalmatus  inornatm. — Accidental  in  Ohio. 
(Jones,  Wils.  Bull.,  Dec.  1900,  p.  131,  and  Wils.  Bull.,  Sept  1909, 
p.  129.) 

24.  Machetes  ptignax. — Strays  to  Ohio.  (Wheaton,  Jones,  Cat. 
O.  B.,  p.  317,  and  Dawson's  Birds  of  Ohio,  p.  527.) 

25.  Elanoides  forficattis. — Accidentally  north  to  Ohio.  (Jones, 
Cat.  O.  B.,  p.  88,  and  others.) 

26.  Astur  atricapillus. — Winters  south  to  northern  Ohio.  (Daw- 
son, Birds  of  Ohio.) 

27.  Bitteo  boreaUs  calt(7'iis. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat. 
O.  B.,  p.  217,  and  Henninger,  Wils.  Bull.,  Sept.  1912,  p.  156),  the 
latter  record  since  the  publication  of  the  checklist  added  for  the 
sake  of  completeness.) 

28.  Falco  rmticolus. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Henninger,  Wils. 
Bull.,  March,  1911,  p.  58.)     Added  for  the  sake  of  completeness. 

29.  Asio  flammeiis. — Breeds  in  Ohio.  (Wheaton  and  lately  Dr. 
Bales.) 

30.  Cryptoglaux  acadica. — Breeds  in  Ohio.  (Dawson's  Birds  of 
Ohio.) 

31.  Dryobates  borealis. — Casually  to  Central  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat. 
O.  B.,  p.  218,  and  also  Dawson's  Birds  of  Ohio.) 

32.  Antrostomms  carolinensis. — Does  not  occur  in  Ohio  at  all. 
The  writer  would  like  to  see  the  Biological  Survey  furnish  the 
proof  (printed  or  otherwise)  that  the  Chuck-wilLs-widow  breeds  in 
Ohio. 

33.  Muscivora  forflcata. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat.  O.  B. 
and  Wils.  Bull.,  June,  1905,  p.  64.) 

34.  Empidonax  traillu  alnormn. — All  Ohio  birds  are  alnorum 
and  not  traillU  proper.     (Jones,  Wils.  Bull.,  March,  1908,  p.  51.) 

35.  Xanthocephalus  xanthocephahis. — Casual  in  Ohio.  (Jones, 
Cat.  O.   B.,  p.  218.) 

36.  Pinicola  etiucleator  leiicura. — Winters  south  to  Ohio.  (Jones, 
Cat.  O.  B.,  p.  136  and  137,  and  Wils.  Bull.,  March,  1910,  p.  35.) 

37.  Calcariiis  pictus. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Wils.  Bull.,  Sept. 
1904,  p.  85.) 

38.  PasserherbuUis  lecontei. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Wils.  Bull., 
March,   1907,   p.  20.) 

39.  PasserherbuUis  nelsoni. — Accidental  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat 
Ohio  Birds,   p.   145.) 

40.  Melospha  georgiana. — Breeds  in  Ohio.  (Jones,  Cat.  Ohio 
Birds,  p.  152.)  Since  then  found  breeding  in  Ohio,  but  record  not 
published. 


198  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

41.  Oporornis  fonnosa. — Add  to  breeding  area,  "  from  Southeru 
and  Eastern  Ohio." 

Since  then  Prof.  Jones  has  found  the  White-throated  Spar- 
row {Zonotrichia  albicollis)  breeding  in  Ohio,  in  two  suc- 
cessive seasons,  which  should  also  be  added  to  the  check  list. 


NINETEEN    YEARS    OF    BIRD    MIGRATION    AT 
OBERLIN,  OHIO. 

BY    LYNDS    JONES. 

Migration  studies  have  been  carried  on  at  Oberlin  for  up- 
wards of  twenty-five  years,  but  there  seem  to  be  good  reasons 
for  limiting  this  record  to  the  years  since  1895.  The  data 
have  not  been  presented  before  in  this  complete  form  because, 
in  the  opinion  of  the  writer,  the  records  were  not  sufficiently 
numerous  to  furnish  a  reliable  table  for  the  use  of  those  who 
may  wish  to  continue  these  studies. 

For  the  first  six  years  the  territory  covered  lay  almost  whol- 
ly within  Lorain  county,  extending  from  about  five  miles  south 
of  Oberlin  to  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  and  east  and  west  from 
Oberlin  about  five  miles,  comprising  a  territory  seventeen 
miles  north  and  south  by  ten  miles  east  and  west.  In  this 
area,  all  of  which  was  originally  virgin  forest,  there  are  two 
river  valleys  extending  in  a  northerly  direction,  extensive  open 
fields,  remnants  of  the  original  forest,  brushy  tangles  where 
the  dumps  of  abandoned  sandstone  quarries  have  been  over- 
grown, and  the  lake  shore  with  its  considerable  marshy  areas 
at  the  mouths  of  streams.  There  are  no  'elevations  of  im- 
portance. The  two  river  valleys  now  have  slender  remnants 
of  once  considerable  growth  of  white  pine  and  red  cedar,  with 
islands  of  hemlock. 

Since  1900  operations  have  been  extended  to  include  the 
Cedar  Point  sand  pit  with  the  adjacent  extensive  marshes  and 
lake  shore,  and  the  narrow  area  bordering  the  road  between 
Berlin  Heights  and  the  lake  shore  at  Ceylon  Junction,  and 
also  the  mouth  of  Old  Woman's  Creek,  the  lower  reaches  of 
which  are  extensively  marshy.     Perhaps  it  would  have  been 


Jones  —  Migration    at    Oberlin,    O.  199 

better  to  separate  the  records  from  this  distinctively  different 
region  from  those  of  the  definitely  Oberlin  reg-ion,  but  that 
•could  not  be  done  without  danger  of  serious  mistakes.  The 
Cedar  Point  sand  pit  records  are  mainly  those  of  water  birds, 
at  least  as  they  affect  the  appended  tables.  Some  land  birds 
tarry  there  later  in  the  spring  than  they  have  been  found  in 
the  Oberlin  region. 

I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  the  percentage  of  error 
in  these  records  must  be  small,  because  observations  have 
been  carried  on  almost  every  day  during  the  season  of  mi- 
gration, and  for  weeks  before  any  migration  began  and  for 
three  weeks  after  it  closed,  and  by  a  considerable  body  of 
trained  observers.  Questionable  records  have  been  elimin- 
ated. 

Since  the  Crow,  Robin,  Bluebird,  ^leadowlark.  Northern 
Flicker,  Bronzed  Crackle,  and  Mourning  Dove  regularly  re- 
main all  winter  in  small  numbers,  the  exact  arrival  of  the  first 
migrating  individuals  may  not  have  been  determined  with 
certainty  in  every  instance,  but  the  migration  of  these  species 
has  been  considered  as  begun  with  the  advent  of  a  considerable 
number  of  individuals  who  were  singing  and  evidently  indi- 
viduals which  had  not  remained  in  the  region  all  winter. 

The  writer  is  well  aware  of  the  fact  that  averages  based 
upon  few  records  are  of  questionable  value.  Nearly  all  of 
the  species  which  have  been  recorded  as  migrants  are  here 
given  for  the  sake  of  completeness,  with  no  thought  that  av- 
erages based  on  as  few  as  nine  records  can  be  taken  as  true 
averages. 

The  median  rather  than  the  average  date  of  arrival  has  been 
used  in  these  tables,  because  the  median  has  proved  the  more 
reliable  in  practice.  Extremes  in  either  earliest  arrivals  or 
latest  records  of  species  which  pass  north  to  breed  do  not  af- 
fect the  median  as  they  do  the  average. 

The  species  are  arranged  according  to  their  average  date 
of  arrival  as  a  matter  of  convenience  for  further  studies  of 
the  migrations  rather  than  according  to  the  systematic  ar- 
rans^ement  of  the  A.  O.  U.  Check-List.     If  this  arrangement 


200  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

be  objected  to  on  the  ground  that  it  is  inconvenient  to  find 
any  species  because  it  is  out  of  ahgnment  with  the  Check- 
List,  one  would  answer  that  the  purpose  of  this  paper  is  not 
to  show  the  systematic  relationships,  but  rather  groupings  ac- 
cording to  times  of  migration.  Even  if  it  were  possible,  in 
any  list  arranged  according  to  taxonomic  relationships,  to 
show  those  relationships  accurately,  which  is  avowedly  im- 
possible, the  inconvenience  of  such  a  list  when  used  in  almost 
any  sort  of  field  work  is  considerable,  so  considerable  that 
some  other  arrangement  must  often  be  devised.  The  only 
general  utility  arrangement  is  the  alphabetical  one. 

Where  the  records  are  less  than  twelve  in  number  it  is  likely 
that  additional  records  covering  a  number  of  years  will  change 
the  date  here  given  as  the  median.  In  such  cases,  then,  this 
paper  claims  only  to  give  a  basis  upon  which  further  work 
may  be  done.  It  is  entirely  possible  that  any  of  the  dates 
given  here  as  first  seen  may  be  moved  forward  by  later  re- 
cords. They  are  of  value  only  in  showing  what  the  range 
of  variation  may  be,  and  also  in  showing  that  the  birds  are 
held  back  by  a  backward  spring,  and  encouraged  to  move 
northward  early  in  an  early  spring. 

It  will  be  noted  that  there  is  very  marked  disagreement  in 
the  dates  of  "  Last  seen."  The  irregularity  is  rather  more 
marked  among  the  water  birds  than  among  the  land  birds. 
The  very  late  date  of  the  Mallard  in  1904  possibly  indicates 
that  the  pair  seen  was  breeding,  although  no  nest  was  found. 
Color  is  lent  to  this  supposition  by  the  finding  of  a  female 
Mallard  in  the  marshes  of  Bay  Point  on  the  last  day  of  June, 
1914.  The  case  of  the  Olive-backed  Thrush  (June  13,  1905) 
cannot  be  explained  in  this  way.  The  single  individual  seen 
did  not  seem  to  be  abnormal.  There  is  a  strong  suspicion 
that  the  single  Semipalmated  Plover  recorded  on  June  17, 
1904,  was  a  wounded  bird.  It  flew  without  difficulty  when 
approached  too  closely,  but  permitted  an  approach  within  five 
feet.  The  other  June  records  are  not  particularly  notable, 
since  mv  records  show  a  consid'crable  number  of  early  June 
"  lists  "  for  transient  species. 


Jones  —  Migration    at   Oberlin,   O. 


201 


The  average  variation  between  first  arrivals  (earliest  and 
latest)  for  all  of  the  species  here  listed  is  21  days.  The  av- 
erage variation  of  first  arrivals  of  the  water  birds  is  33  days, 
and  of  the  land  birds  20  days.  The  variation  in  the  land 
birds  which  remain  to  breed  is  20  days,  of  the  transient  spe- 
cies is  19  days.  The  land  bird  with  the  least  variation  is  the 
Black-throated  Green  Warbler  with  8  days,  and  the  greatest 
variation  is  the  Pipit,  with  a  variation  of  GG  days.  It  is  like- 
ly that  the  regular  route  of  migration  of  the  Pipit  does  not 
cross  this  region,  since  only  occasional  scattered  flocks  are 
found.  The  March  15,  1901,  record  is  my  own.  There  were 
two  birds,  one  of  which  was  secured  for  positive  identification. 

Number 

Records 

Crow     19 

Robin     19 

Killdeer    19 

Bluebird    19 

Canada  Goose   14 

Meadowlarli    18 

Bronzed  Grackle 19 

Song   Sparrow    19 

Northern    Flieljer    17 

Red-winged    Blaclibird.  . .  19 

Blaclj   Ducli    11 

Baldpate    9 

Redhead    8 

Mourning  Dove   14 

Migrant   Shrike    19 

Canvas-back    7 

Cowbird    19 

Rusty    Blackbird 19 

Towhee   19 

Pintail    10 

Whistling  Swan    5 

Greater    Scaup    Duck....  11 

Field   Sparrow    19 

Mallard    12 

Fox    Sparrow    19 

Red-breasted    Merganser.  11 

Belted    Kingfisher    19 

Phoebe    19 

Merganser    5 

Turkey    Vulture    18 

Vesper    Sparrow    19 

Wilson's    Snipe    19 

Chipping  Sparrow    19 

Shoveller    8 

Lesser    Scaup    Duck 16 


Median 

Earlies 

Median 

Laiest 

First  Seen 

Record 

Last  Seen 

Laggard 

Fel).  28 

Feb.  11, 

•98: 

Breeds 

Feb.  28 

Feb.  14, 

14; 

Breeds 

Mar.    1 

Feb.  18, 

■12; 

Breeds 

Mar.    1 

Feb.  16, 

'11; 

Breeds 

Mar.    6 

Feb.  19, 

'13 

Apr.     1; 

Apr.  15, 

'07 

Mar.    6 

Feb.  22, 

'13; 

Breeds 

Mar.    6 

Feb.  1.5, 

'12; 

Breeds 

Mar.    6 

Feb.  26, 

'06; 

Breeds 

Mar.    7 

Feb.  26, 

'06; 

Breeds 

Mar.    8 

Feb.  26, 

'13; 

Breeds 

Mar.  14 

Feb.  22, 

'06 

Apr.    4; 

Apr.  15, 

'99 

Mar.  14 

Mar.    9, 

'08 

May  10 

May  27, 

'07 

Mar.  15 

Mar.    9, 

'08 

Apr.  21, 

'03 

Mar.  15 

Mar.  11, 

'07: 

Breeds 

Mar.  l.^ 

Mar.    2, 

'01 

Breeds 

Mar.  17 

Mar.  13, 

'03 

Apr.    1: 

Apr.  10, 

'05 

Mar.  17 

Mar.    9. 

'10; 

Breeds 

Mar.  17 

Mar.    5, 

'10 

May    8 

May  16, 

•08 

Mar.  17 

Mar.    6, 

'99; 

Breeds 

Mar.  18 

Feb.  22, 

'09 

Apr.  20; 

Apr.  29, 

'07 

Mar.  18 

Mar.  14, 

'04 

Apr.    3, 

'99 

Mar.  19 

Mar.    2, 

'04 

Apr.  19 

Mar.  19 

Mar.  12, 

•98- 

Breeds 

Mar.  20 

Mar.    5, 

'06 

Apr.  10 

Jun.  17, 

•04 

Mar.  20 

Mar.    5, 

'10 

Apr.  21 

May    2, 

'07 

Mar.  21 

Mar.  15, 

'09 

Apr.  30 

May  22, 

'09 

Mar.  22 

Mar.  11, 

'10; 

Breeds 

Mar.  22 

Mar.    5, 

'05; 

Breeds 

Mar.  23 

Feb.  22, 

'06 

May  10. 

'12 

Mar.  24 

Mar.  11, 

'08; 

Breeds 

Mar.  25 

Mar.  16, 

'03; 

Breeds 

Mar.  27 

Mar.  15, 

'03 

May    3 

May  22, 

•09 

Mar.  30 

Mar.  21, 

'10 

Breeds 

Mar.  31 

Mar.  18, 

'07 

Apr.  21, 

•14 

Mar.  31 

Mar.    9, 

•08 

Breeds 

202  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 


Number     Median  Earliest  Median  Latest 

Records  First  Seen  Record  Last  Seen  Laggard 

Coot    14  Mar.  31 ;  Mar.    9,  '08  May    5;  May  22,  '09 

Woodcock    18  Mar.  31;   Mar.  10,  '02:  Breeds 

Swamp  Sparrow   18  Mar.  31:  Mar.  '13,  '08;  Breeds 

Hermit   Thrush    19  Apr.    2;  Mar.  21, '03  May    8;  May  26, '10 

Pied-billed    Grebe    18  Apr.    3:  Mar.  16,  '07  May    6:  May  28,  '04 

Hooded    Merganser    7  Apr.    3;  Mar.  11, '11  Apr.  20;  Apr.  30, '11 

Great   Blue   Heron 18  Apr.    5;  Mar.  20,  '97;  Breeds 

Brown    Thrasher 19  Apr.    5;  Mar.  22,  '02;  Breeds 

Pectoral   Sandpiper    13  Apr.    6;  Mar.  30,  '10  May    2;  May  11,  "07 

Yellow-I)ellied    Sapsucker.  19  Apr.    6;  Mar.  23,  '10  May    9;  May  30, '11 

Bufflehead    14  Apr.    8;  Mar.  15,  '09  Apr.  26;  May  13,  '07 

Purple    Martin    19  Apr.    9;  Mar.  23,  '10;  Breeds 

Bittern    12  Apr.  10;   Mar.  25,  '10;  Breeds 

Barn   Swallow    19  Apr.  11;  Mar.  30,  '07;  Breeds 

Blue-winged    Teal 12  Apr.  12;  Mar.  22,  '13:  Breeds 

Ruby-crowned    Kinglet.  ..  19  Apr.  12;  Mar.  25,  '05  May  12;  May  24,  '10 

Tree    Swallow    18  Apr.  12;  Mar.  31,  '10;  Breeds 

Upland   Plover    19  Apr.  13;  Mar.  22,  '04;  Breeds 

Bonaparte's   Gull    14  Apr.  14:  Mar.  31,  '13  May  20;  May  22,  '11 

Ruddy    Duck    11  Apr.  14;  Mar.  26,  '07  May  10;  May  13,  '02 

Horned    Grebe    13  Apr.  16;  Mar.  24,  '14  Apr.  29;  May  17,  '08 

Osprey     11  Apr.  16:  Apr.    5,  '08;  Breeds 

White-throated    Sparrow.  19  Apr.  16;  Mar.  21,  '03  May  18;  May  22,  '09 

Louisiana    Water-Thrush.  19  Apr.  IG;  Mar.  28,  '04;  Breeds 

Loon    10  Apr.  17;  Mar.  19, '07  May    8;  May  21, '01 

Spotted    Sandpiper    18  Apr.  18;  Apr.    9,  '04;  Breeds 

Savanna    Sparrow    13  Apr.  18;  Mar.  30,  '12  May  12;  May  25,  '06 

Wood    Duck    6  Apr.  19;  Mar.  23,  '04;  Breeds 

Chimney    Swift    19  Apr.  19;  Apr.  10,  '10;  Breeds 

Greater    Yellow-legs    13  Apr.  20;  Apr.  12,  '10  May  12 

Myrtle    Warbler    19  Apr.  20;  Mar.  26,  '08  May  19;  May  27,  '07 

Blue-gray    Gnatcatcher. .  .  19  Apr.  20;  Mar.  29,  '07;  Breeds 

Bank    Swallow    18  Apr.  22;  Apr.    6,  '02;  Breeds 

Green   Heron    17  Apr.  23;  Apr.    6,  '13;  Breeds 

Yellow    Warbler    19  Apr.  24;  Apr.  11,  '08;  Breeds 

Grasshopper   Sparrow 19  Apr.  25;  Apr.  10,  '10;  Breeds 

House    Wren    19  Apr.  25;  Apr.  17,  '96;  Breeds 

Rough-winged    Swallow. .  17  Apr.  26;  Apr.  16,  '02;  Breeds 

Solitary   Sandpiper   18  Apr.  27;  Apr.  18,  '09  May  17;  May  25,  '03 

Bobolink    19  Apr.  27 ;  Apr.  16,  '04 ;  Breeds 

Warbling   Vireo    19  Apr.  27;  Apr.  17,  '96;  Breeds 

Oven-bird   19  Apr.  27;  Apr.  22,  '99;  Breeds 

Catbird    19  Apr.  27;  Apr.  19,  '13:  Breeds 

Long-billed   Marsh   Wren.  17  Apr.  27;  Apr.  16,  '06;  Breeds 

Olive-backed  Thrush   19  Apr.  27;  Apr.  13,  '08  May  25;  Jun.  13,  '05 

Cliff    Swallow 19  Apr.  27;  Apr.    6, '03;  Breeds 

Wood    Thrush    19  Apr.  27;  Apr.  10,  '04;  Breeds 

Red-headed    Woodpecker.  19  Apr.  28;  Apr.  13,  '10;  Breeds 

Kingbird   19  Apr.  28;  Apr.  19,  '14;  Breeds 

Baltimore    Oriole    19  Apr.  28;  Apr.  14,  '05;  Breeds 

Lark   Sparrow    10  Apr.  28; 

Blue-headed    Vireo 17  Apr.  28;  Apr.  17,  '02  May  16;  May  22,  '07 

Black  and  White  Warbler  19  Apr.  28;  Apr.  19,  '14;  Breeds 


Jones  —  Migration    at    Oberlin,    O. 


203 


Number     Median 
Records  Fiist  Seen 

Blue-winged    Warbler 19  Apr.  28 

Ilenslow's   Sparrow    5  Apr.  29 

Black-thr.    Green  Warbler  19  Apr.  29 

Palm   Warljler   10  Apr.  29 

Yellow-legs    12  Apr.  30 

Red-eyed   Vireo    19  Apr.  30 

Maryland   Yellow-throat. .  19  Apr.  30 

Sora    17  May    1 

Crested    Flycatcher    19  jNIay    1 

Scarlet    Tanager    19  May    1 

Nashville   Warbler    19  May    1 

Water-Thrush    16  May    1 

Redstart    19  May   1 

Veery    18  May    1 

Virginia    Rail    19  May    2 

White-crowned  Sparrow .  19  May  2 
Rose-breasted  Grosbeak..  18  May  2 
Yellow-throated  Vireo. ..  19  May  2 
Orange-crowned    Warbler  13  May    2 

Least   Flycatcher    19  May    3 

Florida    Gallinule    9  May    4 

Orchard    Oriole    18  May    4 

Cerulean    Warbler    19  May    4 

Black-thr.  Blue  Warbler.  19  May  4 
Chestnut-sided   Warbler. .  17  May    4 

Whip-poor-will    16  May    5 

Indigo   Bunting    19  May    5 

Northern  Parnla  Warbler  13  May    5 
Magnolia   Warbler    ......  18  May    5 

Short-billed    Marsh    Wren    7  May    5 

Pipit     17  May    6 

Pine   Warbler    6  May    6 

Blackburnian    Warbler. ..  18  May    6 

Kirtland's    Warbler    3  May    6 

Common   Tern    14  May    7 

Least    Bittern    9  May    7 

King    Rail    9  May    7 

Wood  Pewee  19  May    7 

Yellow-breasted  Chat ....  19  May  7 
Gray-cheeked    Thrush.  ...  14  May    7 

Philadelphia   Vireo    8  May    8 

Golden-winged  Warbler. .  8  May  8 
Prothonotary    Warbler. . .    5  May    8 

Acadian   Flycatcher    18  May    9 

Dickcissel    7  May    9 

Lincoln's    Sparrow    12  May    9 

Hooded   Warbler    12  May    9 

Yellow-billed    Cuckoo 17  May  10 

Kentucky    Warbler    8  May  10 

Tennessee   Warbler    17  May  10 

Bay-breasted   Warbler 18  May  10 

Canada  Warbler 18  May  10 

Cape    May    Warbler 12  May  10 


Earliest 
Record 

Apr.  19,  '14;  Breeds 

Apr.  22,  '07;  Breeds 

Apr.  25,  '96 

Apr.  20,  '08 

Apr.    1,  '12 

Apr.  27,  '06;  Breeds 

Apr.  19,  '14;  Breeds 

Apr.  11,  '08;  Breeds 

Apr.  24,  '13;  Breeds 

Apr.  24,  '13;  Breeds 

Apr.  27,  '14 

Apr.  24,  '13 

Apr.  25,  '12;  Breeds 

Apr.  20,  '99:  Breeds 

Apr.  14,  '13;  Breeds 

Apr.  21,  '11 

Apr.  27,  '96;  Breeds 

Apr.  20,  '14;  Breeds 

Apr.  26,  '09 

Apr.  11,  '03 

Apr.  20,  '07;  Breeds 

Apr.  29,  '99;  Breeds 

Apr.  29,  '99;  Breeds 

Apr.  27,  '96 

Apr.  30,  '06 

Apr.  19,  '14;  Breeds 

Apr.  26.  '02;  Breeds 

May    1,  '00;  Breeds 

Apr.  28,  '96 

Apr.  30,  '06;  Breeds 

Mar.  15,  '01 

Apr.  29,  '98 

Apr.  27,  '05 

May    2,  '06 

Apr.  29,  '07;  Breeds 

Apr.  25,  '04;  Breeds 

May    4,  '08:  Breeds 

May    2,  '99;  Breeds 

May    1,  '03;  Breeds 

Apr.  29,  '99 

Apr.  29,  '07 

May    4,  '02 

Apr.  27,  '13;  Breeds 

May    3,  '13;  Breeds 

May  6,  '96;  Breeds 

Apr.  14,  '12 

Apr.  22,  '14;  Breeds 

May    6,  '99:  Breeds 

Apr.  27,  '04 

May    1,  '13 

May    4,  '02 

Apr.  28,  '96 

Apr.  27,  '14 


Median 
Last  Seen 


May  22; 
May  16; 
May  13; 


May  21 : 
May  20; 


Latest 
Laeeard 


May  28,  '07 
May  22,  '09 
May  19,  '03 


May  27,  '01 
May  25,  '03 


May  19;  May  22,  '09 


May  14; 
May  24; 


May  22; 
May  23: 


May  22,  '09 
Jun.    3,  '10 


May  29,  '01 
May  27,  '07 


May  22;  May  28,  '08 


May  16; 
May  13: 
May  22 


May  26,  '99 
May  15,  '14 
May  29, '09 


May  22; 
May  20; 
May  14; 


May  29,  '09 
May  27,  '07 
May  23,  '05 


May  14;  May  23,  '04 


May  22; 
May  21 ; 
May  22; 
May  16; 


May  30,  '13 
May  28,  '07 
Jun.  3,  '10 
May  27,  '07 


304 


The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 


Number     Median  Earliest 

Records  First  Seen  Record 

Connecticut   Warbler    ....    9  May  10;  May    3. 

Black    Tern    12  May  11 ;  May    2, 

Black-billed   Cuckoo    18  May  11;  May    4, 

Ruby-thr.    Hummingbird.  19  May  11;  May    2. 

Prairie    Warbler    9  May  11;  Apr.  29, 

Mourning   Warbler    15  May  11;  May    3, 

Least   Sandpiper    10  May  12;  Maj'    4, 

Nighthawk    17  May  12;  Apr.  21, 

Black-poll    Warbler    18  May  12;  May    4, 

Semipalmated  Plover 5  May  13;  May  11, 

Yellow-bellied    Flycatcher    4  May  13;  May    9, 

WiLson's   Warbler    14  May  13;  May    5, 

Red-backed   Sandpiper....    4  May  14; 

Alder    Flycatcher    19  May  14;  May    7, 

Olive-sided    Flycatcher. . .    5  May  14;  Apr.  29, 

Ruddy    Turnstone    10  May  18:  Mar.  31, 

Semipalmated   Sandpiper.    5  May  20;  May  16, 


Median 
Last  Seen 


Latest 
Laggard 


14 

07:  Breeds 

14:  Breeds 
•06;  Breeds 
■99 
'14 
•14 

•09:  Breeds 
'06 

12 
'04 
•00 

'02;  Breeds 

'13 

'12 

•03 


May  25:  May  29,  '12 


May  17; 

May  25 
May  16; 

May  24; 
May  25; 
May  26; 
May  25; 
May  17; 

May  27; 
May  28; 
May  23; 


May  20,  '07 
Jun.  2,  '13 
May  22,  '10 

Jun.  3,  '04 
Jun.  17,  '04 
Jun.  1,  '14 
Jun.  3,  '10 
May  20,  '10 

Jun.  1,  '14 
Jun.  1,  '14 
Jun.    1.  '14 


THE     FOLLOWING     SPECIES     ARE     WINTER    RESIDENTS 


Brown    Creeper    17 

Tree    Sparrow    19 

Golden-crowned  Kinglet. .  16 

Slate-colored   Junco    18 

Purple   Finch    16 

Winter   Wren    18 

Red-breasted  Nuthatch.. .  12 

Pine   Siskin    7 

Horned    Lark 
Northern    Shrike 
Snowflake 


Apr.  28; 
Apr.  29; 
Apr.  30; 
May  1; 
May  2; 
May  8; 
May  13: 
May  13: 


May 
May 
May 
May 
Ma.y 
May 
May 
May 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Mar. 


24,  '10 

9,  '09 

11,  '09 

20,  '07 

28,  '07 

17,  '98 

28,  '07 

20,  '07 

1,  '99 

3,  '99 

16,  '08 


The  following  species  have  been  recorded,  but  the  records 
are  either  too  few  or  too  irregular  to  be  of  any  value  for 
reference.  They  need  particular  attention.  The  species  are 
arranged  alphabetically. 


Chickadee,  Carolina 

Cormorant,   Double-crested 

Crossbill,    White-winged 

Curlew,  Hudsonian 

Dowitcher 

Duck,  Ring-necked 

Eagle,  Golden 

Gadwall 

Golden-eye 

Golden-eye,    Barrow's 

Goose,  Blue 

Goose,  Snow 


Goose,  White-fronted 

Goshawk 

Grosbeak,  Evening 

Grosbeak,  Pine 

Hawk,  Duck 

Hawk,  Rough-legged 

Knot 

Lark,  Hoyt's  Horned 

Longspur,  Lapland 
Mockingbird 
Murre,  Brunnich's 
Owl,  Saw-whet 


Jones  —  jMigration    at    Oberlin^    O. 


205 


Owl,  Short-eared 
Owl,  Snowy 
Phalarope,  Wilson's 
Plover,  Black-bellied 
I'lover,  Golden 
Plover,  Piping 
Sandpiper,  Baird's 
Sandpiper's,  Stilt 
Sparrow,  Bacbman's 


Sparrow,  Nelson's 
Teal,    Green-winged 
Tern,  Caspian 
Vireo,  "SMiite-eyed 
Warbler,   Worm-eating 
Waxwing,   Bohemian 
Willet.  Western 
Wren,  Bewick's 


The  Red-Crossbill  is  too  irregular  to  be  placed  in  any  group. 
It  is  sometimes  found  every  month  in  the  year,  but  often 
absent. 

The  Herring  and  Ring-billed  Gulls  are  present  all  the  year, 
but  do  not  breed  in  the  vicinity,  of  course.  The  departure  in 
spring  of  the  birds  which  breed  during  the  season  cannot, 
therefore,  be  ascertained  with  any  degree  of  accuracy. 

The  following  species  are  regular  residents :  Alphabetically 
arranged. 


Bob- white 

Cardinal 

Chickadee 

Eagle,  Bald 

(xoldflnch 

Grouse,  Ruffed    (scarce) 

Hawk,  Cooper's 

Hawk,  Marsh 

Hawk,  Pigeon 

Hawk,  Red-shouldered 

Hawk.  Red-tailed 

Hawk,  Sharp-shinned 

Hawk,  Sparrow 

Hawk,  Broad-winged 


Jay,  Blue 

Lark,  Prairie  Horned 

Nuthatch,  "^Tiite-breasted 

Owl,  Barn 

Owl,  Barred 

Owl,  Great  Horned 

Owl,  Long-eared 

Owl,  Screech 

Titmouse,  Tufted 

Waxwing,  Cedar 

Woodpecker,  Downy 

Woodpecker,  Hairy 

Woodpecker,  Red-bellied 

Wren,  Carolina 


206  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

DISCOURAGING  THE  ENGLISH   SPARROW. 

BY  THOMAS  H.  WHITNEY. 

For  nearly  two  years  I  have  spent  a  good  deal  of  leisure 
time  on  the  almost  hopeless  task  of  ridding  my  home  grounds 
of  the  English  sparrow.  Having  tried  nearly  all  the  methods 
I  could  think  of  or  read  about  that  promised  any  practical 
results,  in  the  hope  my  experience  may  be  of  some  little  value 
to  others,  I  venture  to  describe  it  briefly. 

The  sparrow  problem  naturally  divides  itself  into  three 
parts :  Destruction,  Prevention  of  Increase,  Protecting  Food 
Supplied  to  Native  Birds. 

DESTRUCTION. 

In  the  twenty  months  elapsed  since  I  began  work,  I  have 
killed  216  sparrows.  Not  a  very  large  number,  but  ours  is  a 
small  inland  city  which  does  not  harbor  any  big  flocks  in  the 
upper  residence  districts,  the  sparrows  being  rather  evenly  dis- 
tributed a  few  to  a  place,  as  nesting  and  roosting  are  con- 
venient. Those  formerly  resident  in  our  grounds  have  long 
since  been  killed,  and  the  great  majority  of  those  destroyed 
were  new-comers  in  search  of  food  or  un-preempted  home- 
sites.     The  total  number  killed  is  divided  as  follows : 

Poisoned  by  strychnine-coated  wheat 13 

Shot  with   air-rifle 10 

Shot  with  .22  cal.  rifle 31 

Caught  in  wire  funnel  trap 13 

Caught  in  nest  box  trap 137 

Total 216 

There  are  practical  difficulties  in  the  use  of  poison,  the  prin- 
cipal one  that  of  limiting  the  poisoned  bait  to  sparrows  only. 
I  have  a  fresh  supply  of  poisoned  wheat  made  up  for  use  this 
winter,  but  juncoes  linger,  and  would  probably  be  killed  with 
the  sparrows.  Better  a  whole  flock  of  sparrows  than  the  un- 
necessary death  of  one  native  bird. 

It  is  only  occasionally  that  a  bird  can  be  killed  or  even  in- 


Whitnev  —  Discouraging  the  English  Sparrow    207 

jured  with  an  air-rifle,  irrespective  of  marksmanship,  as  the 
shooting-  quality  of  the  ordinary  air-gun  is  very  unrehable. 

In  my  judgment  the  best  gun  for  shooting  sparrows  in 
towns  is  the  .22  caHbre  rifle,  using  shot  cartridges,  and  to  be 
equipped  with  a  silencer;  it  is  then  practically  noiseless,  and 
almost  certain  to  drop  the  bird  if  fired  from  a  reasonable  dis- 
tance. When  shot  at  irregularly  and  with  this  gun,  sparrows 
do  not  become  especially  "gun-shy,"  as  they  certainly  will  if 
hunted  in  the  ordinary  way.  Shooting',  however,  is  usually 
against  the  ordinances  of  towns  and  cities,  and  apt  to  be  dan- 
gerous, no  matter  how  much  care  is  'exercised.  Moreover, 
little  impression  can  be  made  in  this  particular  way,  on  the 
large  numbers  of  sparrows  always  present  in  towns. 

The  ordinary  funnel  wire  trap  such  as  advertised  extensive- 
ly of  late  by  various  bird  supply  houses,  I  have  tried  out  thor- 
oughly, and  found  wanting.  It  will  catch  a  few  birds  the  first 
time  or  two  of  setting, —  after  that  the  sparrows  will  not  en- 
ter, no  matter  how  carefully  the  bait  is  placed,  and  irrespec- 
tive of  moving  the  trap  to  different  locations.  Where  locali- 
ties are  over-run  with  large  flocks  of  sparrows,  a  funnel  trap 
will  at  first  catch  a  g"Ood  many,  but  the  fact  remains  that  they 
will  not  enter  it  after  a  few  days,  and  further  setting  is  use- 
less. 

It  will  be  noted  that  more  than  50%  of  the  sparrows  killed 
have  been  caught  in  a  nest  box  trap.  This  kind  of  trap  is 
fully  described  in  the  U.  S.  Farmer's  Bulletin  "  The  English 
Sparrow  as  a  Pest."  All  the  time  I  have  been  trying  to  shoot, 
poison,  and  trap  sparrows  by  other  means,  this  nest  box  trap 
has  been  steadily  reducing  their  numbers,  in  all  sorts  of  weath- 
er, and  in  all  seasons  of  the  year ;  it  makes  no  difference  when 
the  bird  arrives,  the  trap  is  ready  and  there  is  no  escape.  A 
thousand  nest  box  traps  put  in  commission  throughout  the 
country,  would  take  their  annual  toll  of  tens  of  thousands  of 
sparrows,  and  if  placed  with  discretion  will  catch  few  native 
birds. 

Of  all  the  methods  I  know,  the  nest  box  trap  is  by  far  the 
best ;  not  only  from  the  standpoint  of  actual  results  in  my 


308  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

experience,  but  because  it  affords  a  really  constant  menace  to 
tlie  sparrows.  Poisoning,  shooting  and  trapping  by  other 
means  are  effective  only  when  attended  to  by  some  one.  The 
nest  box  trap,  once  put  up,  is  always  set,  and  if  the  receiving 
sack  be  fairly  large,  needs  visiting  only  once  or  twice  a  sea- 
son, though  common  humanity  will  direct  attention  to  it  at 
frequent  intervals  to  prevent  unnecessary  cruelty. 

PREVENTION  OF  INCREASE. 

Sparrows  are  not  allowed  to  roost  anywhere  on  our  prem- 
isis ;  at  intervals  of  not  more  than  a  few  days,  we  make  the 
rounds  of  the  house  and  grounds,  and  by  poking  with  a  fish 
pole  in  corners  and  above  windows,  and  shaking  vines  and 
awnings,  any  birds  present  are  driven  off;  if  disturbed  more 
than  once,  the  same  birds  will  not  return.  This  undoubtedly 
discourages  to  a  large  extent  any  attempt  to  build  in  these 
places. 

Boxes  made  of  boards  are  put  up  only  for  wrens,  the  hole 
being  made  too  small  for  sparrows.  Any  board  box  contain- 
ing an  ordinary  sized  hole,  and  especially  if  fitted  with  a  perch 
or  ledge,  will  certainly  be  occupied  by  sparrows  and  not  a 
chance  afforded  the  birds  for  which  it  was  erected. 

Several  boxes  in  the  von  Berplesch  style  hung  on  our  trees 
have  been  successfully  occupied  by  wood-peckers,  and  are 
now  in  use  by  nuthatches  and  possibly  chickadees  as  winter 
c[uarters.  Early  last  spring  the  sparrows  reconnoitered  nearly 
all  of  these  boxes,  but  made  no  attempt  to  occupy  them  and 
have  not  annoyed  the  rightful  tenants.  It  may  be  too  soon  to 
be  sure,  but  indications  point  strongly  to  the  immunity  of  this 
style  of  nest  boxes  from  occupation  by  the  sparrows.  If  this 
is  so,  they  certainly  deserve  a  wide  sale. 

Our  martin  house  has  to  be  carefully  watched,  even  for 
some  time  after  arrival  of  the  martins.  At  least  one  pair  of 
sparrows  will  be  allowed  to  rear  broods  without  objection  by 
the  martins,  and  it  has  been  necessary  each  spring  to  climb 
up  several  times  and  tear  out  nests.  If  the  owner  of  a  mar- 
tin house  is  not  persistently  watchful,  young  sparrows  will  be 


Whitney  —  Discouraging  the  English  Sparrow    209 

reared  amidst  the  martins  without  his  knowledge,  as  the  par- 
ents develop  astonishing  cunning  in  concealing  the  presence 
of  the  family. 

Once  in  a  while  some  one  writes  that  he  does  not  let  any 
sparrows  nest  in  his  yard.  All  praise  to  those  who  pursue  this 
laudable  ambition.  "  No  sparrows  nests  "  ought  to  be  the  slo- 
gan of  every  member  of  the  Wilson  Club,  and  every  one  else 
who  takes  an  interest  in  our  native  birds. 

PROTECTION  OF   FOOD  SUPPLIES   FOR   NATIVE  BIRDS. 

I  have  tried  out  two  of  the  best  known  winter  feeding  de- 
vices, one  a  self  feeder  attached  to  a  tree,  the  other  an  expen- 
sive glass  shelter  with  self  feeding  hopper  for  nuts,  'erected  on 
an  iron  pole.  The  tree  self-feeder  was  up  only  a  short  time 
till  the  sparrows  began  to  frequent  it,  to  the  virtual  exclusion 
of  all  others.  Even  when  it  contained  food  they  did  not  want, 
the  sparrows  sat  around  anyway,  and  kept  other  birds  at  a 
distance.  The  glass  shelter  worked  admirably  last  winter, 
and  afforded  the  chickadees  and  a  red  breasted  nuthatch 
plenty  of  dry  food,  and  a  sunny  and  shelterd  place  to  rest.  I 
thought  the  recommendation  of  its  makers,  that  sparrow.'^ 
were  afraid  to  enter,  was  justified ;  but  alas,  my  fond  expecta- 
tions were  dashed  this  fall  by  finding  it  the  favorite  resort  of 
sparrows,  who  drove  the  returning  chickadees  away.  Pos- 
sibly it  should  not  have  been  left  standing  all  summer,  and 
familiarity  bred  contempt.  Any  way,  it  has  been  taken  in 
now,  to  be  put  up  again  later  if  there  seems  to  be  possibility 
of  the  sparrows  forgetting  it. 

No  attempt  is  now  made  to  feed  any  of  the  hard  billed  or 
seed  eating  birds,  as  it  seems  to  be  impossible  to  prevent  such 
food  being  monopolized  by  the  sparrows.  At  present  I  am 
feeding  sun-flower  seeds  in  cloth  pockets  on  the  trunks  of 
trees,  and  suet  in  mesh  bags.  Both  these  supplies  are  tacked 
or  tied  on  the  upright  trunk,  and  all  small  nearby  limbs  or 
other  projections  that  might  serve  as  perches,  are  carefully  cut 
awav.  Woodpeckers,  nuthatches,  chickadees  and  brown 
creepers  have  no  difficulty  in  using  these  food  supplies  owing 


210  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

to  their  ability  to  cling  to  the  bark,  the  lack  of  which  faculty 
prevents  the  sparrows  from  interfering. 

In  our  part  of  Iowa,  practically  no  seed  eating  birds  are 
seen  in  towns  during  the  winter.  It  is  therefore  not  worth 
while  to  in  efifect  invite  the  sparrows  by  putting  out  grain  of 
any  kind,  especially  as  any  such  attempt  is  sure  to  be  ren- 
dered valueless  by  the  pugnacity  and  persistance  of  the  spar- 
rows, who  will  eat  or  waste  all  the  food  put  out. 

In  conclusion,  I  believe  I  have  demonstrated  to  my  own 
satisfaction  that  sparrows  can  be  successfully  combated,  by 
any  one  who  can  devote  a  small  part  of  his  spare  time  to  the 
work.     It  requires  energy  and  persistence,  but  it  can  be  done. 

In  every  locality,  there  needs  to  be  a  development  of  public 
sentiment  to  a  point  where  many  will  be  become  interested 
enough  to  help.  It  is  all  well  enough  to  talk  and  write  about 
conserving  our  native  birds,  putting  up  nest  boxes  for  them, 
etc.,  but  in  my  humble  opinion  the  crying  need  at  present  is 
an  active  campaign  against  the  sparrow.  If  we  will  reduce 
the  numbers  of  sparrows,  native  birds  will  certainly  come  in 
of  themselves,  and  have  a  chance  to  survive  the  increase  in 
towns  and  cities,  which  is  denied  them  under  present  condi- 
tions. 

Those  of  mature  age  can  remember  when  the  first  visit  of 
the  snow  birds  was  a  welcome  event  of  the  early  winter. 
When  the  lovely  blue-birds,  and  vireos,  and  phoebes  were 
about  our  yards  in  town  all  summer.  How  sad  it  is  that  all 
this  is  gone,  perhaps  forever,  and  we  are  compelled  to  listen 
to  the  incessant  chirp  of  the  alien  sparrows,  and  witness  their 
persecution  of  any  hapless  native  birds  that  chance  to  stop 
even  for  a  day,  in  their  migration. 

Lack  of  training  and  in  doors  occupation  doubtless  pre- 
vents many  members  of  the  Wilson  Club,  as  well  as  myself, 
from  following  many  lines  of  bird  study  we  would  enjoy; 
these  must  be  left  to  others.  But  there  is  a  line  of  work  we 
can  engage  in,  and  one  of  the  greatest  importance.  The  des- 
truction of  the  English  Sparroisj. 


THE     WILSON     BULLETIN 


A  Quarterly  Magazine  Devoted  to  the  Study  of  Birds.     Official  Or- 
gan of  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club 


Edited  by  LYNDS  JONES 

PUBLISHED   BY   THE   WH.SOX   ORXITHOI.OGICAL   rLUB.    AT   CHICAGO,   ILL. 

Price  in  the  United  States,  Canada,  and  Mexico,  One  Dollar  a  year.  30  cents  a  number, 
post  paid.  Price  in  all  countries  in  the  International  Postal  Union,  $1.25  a  year,  40  cents 
a  number.  Subscriptions  may  be  sent  to  Lynds  Jones,  Oberlin,  Ohio,  or  to  Mr.  P.  B. 
Coffin,  3232  Groveland  Avenue,  Chicago,  111. 

OFFICERS   FOR  THE   CURRENT  YEAR 

President :     Dr.  T.  C  Stephens,  Morningside,  Sioux  City,  Iowa. 

Vice-president :     Geo.  L.  Fordyce,  Youngstown,  Ohio. 

Secretary:     Orpheus  M.  Schantz,  5215  West  24th  St.,  Cicero,  111. 

Treasurer:     P.  B.  Coffin,  3232  Groveland  Ave.,  Chicago,  111. 

Editor  "  The  Wilson  Bulletin  "  :  Lynds  Jones.  Spear  Laboratory, 
Oberlin,  Oliio. 

Business  Manager :  Gerard  Alan  Abbott,  943  ^larquette  Build- 
ing, Chicago,  111. 

EDITORIAL 

The  considerable  delay  of  this  number  does  not  presage  a  like 
delay  for  the  March  number.  Many  things  have  conspired  to  bring 
about  this  delay,  but  they  need  not  be  enumerated.  Suffice  it  to 
say  that  copy  for  the  March  issue  is  now  ready. 


Now  that  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club 
has  been  sanctioned  officially  and  is  a  settled  event,  as  many  mem- 
bers as  possible  should  make  definite  plans  to  attend.  It  does  not 
seem  likely  that  the  holiday  .season  will  prove  to  be  a  convenient 
time.  President  T.  C.  Stephens  would  be  glad  to  have  all  mem- 
bers express  their  opinions  in  regard  to  the  best  time  for  the  meet- 
ing. The  editor  favors  the  two  days  following  Thanksgiving. 
What  is  your  preference?     Tell  Stephens. 


Notice  is  hereby  given  that  membership  dues  are  now  payable. 
They  should  be  sent  to  Treasurer  P.  B.  Coffin,  32.32  Groveland  Ave- 
nue, Chicago,  111.  If  members  will  heed  this  notice  it  will  save 
the  time  of  the  Treasurer  as  well  as  save  the  expense  of  sending 
out   notices. 


212  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 


FIELD  NOTES 

NESTING    OF    PROTHONOTARY    WARBLER    NEAR 
HURON,  OHIO. 

The  prothouotary  warbler  was  first  seen  by  me,  in  Huron,  on 
April  27,  1913,  when  one  was  found  singing  in  an  orchard,  where 
it  stayed  until  May  3.  On  May  4  one  was  found  singing  on  the 
Cedar  Point  sandspit. 

On  May  22,  1914,  one  was  found  singing  in  town.  It  was  seen 
nearly  evei-y  day  until  June  7,  when  it  disappeared.  It  appeared  to 
be  prospecting  for  a  nest,  as  it  would  investigate  holes  in  trees  and 
even  started  carrying  nesting  material  into  a  sprinkling  can  hang- 
ing on  the  back  porch  of  a  house.  On  May  31,  besides  the  one  in 
town,  two  others  were  heard  singing  at  Rye  Beach,  about  two  miles 
west  of  Huron  on  Lake  Erie.  On  June  14,  two  were  found  at  Rye 
Beach  in  the  willows  and  button  bushes  fringing  the  marsh.  One 
was  singing,  but  the  other  used  only  a  scolding  note.  From  their 
actions  I  suspected  a  nest,  but  was  unable  to  find  it.  I  searched 
on  several  occasions  after  that,  but  it  was  not  until  June  26  that 
I  was  successful.  By  watching  the  male  bird  it  was  found  that 
he  had  a  certain  perch  where  he  would  sing  at  about  fifteen  min- 
ute intervals  and  that  after  singing  he  would  occasionally  drop 
down  into  the  underbrush.  Search  near  there  finally  flushed  the 
female  from  the  nest,  which  was  situated  in  an  old  woodpecker  hole 
in  a  stub  of  a  button  bus;h,  about  four  feet  from  the  ground.  The 
nest  was  about  four  inches  below  the  opening,  was  lined  with  grass 
and  contained  two  quite  heavily  marked  eggs. 

The  stub  was  part  of  a  clump  of  bushes  and  in  the  spring  was 
evidently  surrounded  by  water,  but  at  this  time  the  water  had 
dried  up  so  as  to  leave  the  ground  nearly  dry.  On  June  28,  I  ex- 
amined the  nest  again  and  found  but  one  egg.  Both  birds  were 
seen,  but  not  close  to  the  nest.  On  July  3  the  nest  was  empty  and 
the  birds  were  not  seen,  but  on  July  9  I  found  the  male  singing 
about  a  hundred  yards  from  the  old  nest.  This  was  the  last  seen 
or  heard  of  them.  The  eggs  were  probably  taken  by  red  squirrels, 
as  there  were  numbers  of  these  around. 

This  record  extends  the  known  breeding  range  of  the  species  in 
Ohio  north  to  Lake  Erie,  previous  records  being  chiefly  at  St. 
Mary's  reservoir  and  at  Licking  reservoir.  H.  G.  Morse. 


Field  Notks  213 

BURROWING   OWL   BREEDING    IN    IOWA. 

On  September  20,  1914,  seven  members  of  the  Sioux  City  Bird 
Club  made  a  trip  to  a  point  about  eigbt  miles  southeast  of  the  city, 
to  observe  a  small  colony  of  Burrowing  Owls.  Three  pairs  of  these 
owls  have  occupied  holes,  in  which  they  have  reared  their  young, 
in  this  pasture  during  the  past  summer.  The  owls  have  been  com- 
ing to  this  locality  for  a  number  of  years,  during  which  time  their 
habits  have  been  observed  closely  by  the  boys  on  the  farm.  The 
holes  occupied  by  the  owls  were  probably  originally  dug  by  coyotes 
or  other  mammals.  The  birds  have  occupied  the  same  holes  from 
year  to  year.  The  holes  are  on  the  side  of  a  hill  —  the  northwest 
exposure.  As  we  approached  first  one  and  then  another  started  in 
flight,  flying  perhaps  300  yards  before  alighting  again.  The  birds 
were  very  shy,  and  it  was  not  possible  to  get  close  to  them  or  to 
get  a  good  view  of  them.  The  holes  in  which  they  have  their  nests 
are  not  deep,  the  boys  say,  they  having  dug  out  one  or  more  of 
them.  After  entering  the  ground,  the  holes  make  a  turn,  and  at 
the  end,  where  the  nest  is  located,  is  a  cavity  three  or  four  feet 
in  length.  There  is  no  evidence  that  any  other  animals  except  the 
owls  occupy  the  holes.  When  the  owls  have  young  in  the  nests 
they  are  much  bolder  than  at  other  times.  When  a  dog  belonging 
to  the  place  would  enter  the  holes  he  would  be  attacked  by  the 
old  birds  on  the  outside.  At  other  times  the  owls  would  attack 
the  dog  while  he  was  following  the  cattle  through  the  pasture.  The 
owls  migrate  for  the  winter,  and  will  leave,  according  to  their  habit, 
about  the  first  week  in  October.  A.  F.  Allen. 

NOTES  FROM  COLUMBIANA,  OHIO. 

An  incomplete  census  of  nesting  birds  within  sight  from  the 
porches  of  our  house  shows  nests  (or  sites  of  nests  not  plainly  vis- 
ible) of  the  following:  One  pair  of  Oven-birds,  one  of  Red-eyed 
Vireos,  one  of  Scarlet  Tauagers,  one  of  Wood  Pewees  (on  a  limb 
in  a  maple  within  thirty  feet  from  a  window!),  one  of  Phoebes,  one 
of  Flickers,  one  of  Bluebirds,  one  of  House  Wrens,  one  of  Chipping 
Sparrows,  one  of  Song  Sparrows,  one  of  Catbirds,  and  four  of 
Robins.  I  am  quite  certain  that  continued  searching  would  have 
revealed  the  nests  of  Indigo  Buntings  and  Cardinal  Grosbeaks  veiy 
near  at  hand.  This  autumn  we  find  several  on  the  leafless  limbs 
that  we  missed  in  the  summer. 

One  afternoon  this  autumn  a  Red-tailed  Hawk  flew  into  a  field 
near  the  woods,  and  capturing  a  small  animal,  flew  into  a  leafless 
elm.     With  my  glasses  I  could  see  the  Hawk  plainly,  but  not  his 


214  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

prey,  which,  however,  could  not  have  been  much  larger  than  a  field 
mouse.  The  incident  was  of  especial  interest  because  three  or  four 
chickens  were  scratching  in  the  grass  within  a  few  rods  of  where 
the  Hawk  struck  for  the  mouse.  The  field  was  far  enough  from 
the  house  that  it  is  not  probable  the  Hawk  left  the  chickens  undis- 
turbed out  of  fear,  and  the  story  lends  strength  to  the  argument 
that  the  Red-tailed  Hawk,  as  a  rule,  attacks  chickens  only  when 
other  prey  is  not  to  be  found.  Alice  Edgerton. 

Columbiana,  Ohio. 

THE    SUMMER   TANAGER  AT   HILLSBORO,   OHIO. 

A  pair  of  Simimer  Tanagers  was  first  observed  on  May  4,  1913, 
flitting  through  the  dazzling  noonday  sunlight  and  alighting  on  a 
nearby  wire  fence.  The  favorite  places  of  these  birds  are  the  boi"- 
ders  of  the  forest,  where  they  may  be  seen  flying  about  among  the 
trees  or  perching  on  the  telephone  poles.  The  latter  part  of  June 
the  frequent  visits  of  a  pair  to  a  particular  spot  revealed  their 
secret.  The  nest  was  in  a  catalpa  tree  about  twenty  feet  from 
the  ground  and  two  feet  from  the  end  of  a  limb,  carefully  con- 
cealed.    The  young  left  the  nest  July  1st. 

Katie  M.  Roads. 

FIELD   NOTES   FROM   CAMBRIDGE,   OHIO. 

The  list  is  unusual,  only  because  the  birds  have  all  been  found 
within  a  radius  of  less  than  a  mile.  Others  seen,  but  not  within 
this  radius,  are  omitted.  The  selected  area  contains  a  little  of 
almost  every  attraction  for  bird  life :  woodland,  meadow,  hedge, 
orchard,  evergreen,  thicket,  stream  and  pond.  Being  unable  to 
hunt  the  birds  every  day  during  the  migratory  season,  I  have  not 
seen  the  entire  list  in  one  year.  But,  with  the  few  exceptions, 
which  I  have  marked  rare,  no  doubt  they  might  all  be  recorded  the 
same  year. 

The  Bobolinks,  Stilt  Sandpiper  and  Bonaparte  Gull  made  their 
first  appearance  within  this  radius  this  last  May.  The  Bachman 
Sparrow  is  very  rare.  Another  bird  student  and  I  together  saw 
the  bird  and  heard  the  clear  sweet  song. 

The  Mockingbird,  Evening  Grosbeak,  Pileated  Woodpecker  and 
Black-crowned  Night  Heron  are  accidentals ;  no  other  record  be- 
ing had  from  this  locality,  that  I  know  of. 

A  decrease  in  the  number  of  Hairy  Woodpeckers  has  been  noticeable 
for  two  or  three  years ;  while  this  season  a  decided  increase  in  Blue 
Jays,  Robins,  Brown  Thrashers,  Wood  Thrush,  Cedar  Waxwings, 
and  Shrikes  is  marked,  and  never  have  we  had  such  flocks  of  Juncos 


Field  Notes 


215 


and  Tree  Sparrows  as  assembled  together  during  March  and  the 
first  two  weeks  of  April ;  the  sweet  tinkling  voices  filled  the  air 
with  melody,  and  the  telltale  white  feathers  looked  like  hundreds 
of  tiny  pennants. 

Only  once  before  have  I  heard  the  song  of  the  Fox  Sparrow. 
This  April  a  number  of  Songsters  remained  in  the  thicket  for  over 
a  week.  I  cannot  tell  of  that  music,  the  sunset  glory  through  the 
budding  trees  must  go  with  it. 


Song  Sparrow 

Lark  Sparrow — Rare 

Vesper  Sparrow 

Field  Sparrow 

Chipping  Sparrow 

Grasshopper  Sparrow 

Fox  Sparrow 

Tree  Sparrow 

Bachman     Sparrow     (one     year 

only,    but    seen    distinctly    and 

heard   singing) 
White-throated  Sparrow 
AYliite-crowned  Sparrow 
Goldfinch 

Purple  Finch — Rare 
Rose-breasted   Grosbeak 
Evening  Grosbeak  (Feb.  to  May, 

1911) 
Towhee 
Cardinal 
Dickcissel — Rare 
Indigo  Bunting 
Junco 

Snowflake — Rare 
Bronzed  Grackle 
Rusty  Blackbird 
Red-winged  Blackbird 
Cowbird 
Meadowlark 
Orchard  Oriole 
Baltimore   Oriole 
Scarlet  Tanager 
Summer  Tanager 
Crow 
Blue  Jay 

Golden-crowned  Kinglet 
Ruby-crowned   Kinglet 
Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher 
Prairie  Horned  Lark 
Chickadee 
Tufted  Titmouse 
White-breasted  Nuthatch 
Red-breasted  Nuthatch 
Hermit  Thrush 


Wilson  Thrush 

Wood   Thrush 

Olive-Itacked    Thrush 

Gray-cheeked  Thrush 

Robin 

l>luel»ird 

lU'own  Creeper 

Catbird 

Brown  Thrasher 

Bewick  Wren 

Carolina  Wren 

Winter  Wren — Rare 

House  Wren 

Southern  Mockingbird  (Sept.  and 

Oct.    1912   only) 
Barn  Swallow 
Tree  Swallow 

Rough-winged    Swallow — Rare 
Bank   Swallow — Rare 
Purple  Martin 
Red-headed    Woodpecker 
Hairy   Woodpeclcer 
Downy   Woodpecker 
Red-bellied  Woodpecker 
Yellow-bellied  Sapsucker 
Flicker 
Northern    Pileated    Woodpecker 

(once  only) 
King-bird 
Phoebe 
Wood  Pewee 
Crested   Flycatcher 
Traill  Flycatcher 
Least  Flycatcher 
Yellow-bellied    Flycatcher 
Acadian  Flycatcher 
Ruby-throated  Humming-bird 
Nighthawk 
Whippoorwill 
White-eyed  Vireo 
Red-eyed  Yireo 
Yellow-throated  Vireo 
Blue-headed  Vireo — Rare 
Warbling  Vireo 


216 


The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 


Migrant  Shrike 

CLiimuey   Swift 

Blue-winged  Warbler 

Magnolia  Warbler 

Myrtle  Warbler 

Yellow   Warbler 

Black  and  White  Warbler 

Wilson  Warbler 

Mourning  AVarbler 

Black-throated  Green  Warbler 

Black-throated  Blue  Warbler 

Hooded  Warbler 

Kentucky   Warbler — Rare 

Palm  Warbler 

Blackburnian  Warbler 

Bay-breasted  Warbler 

Chestnut-sided   Warbler 

Cerulean  Warbler — Rare 

Northern  Parula  Warbler — Rare 

Nashville  Warbler 

Redstart 

Yellow-breasted   Chat 

Water-Thrush 

Louisiana    Water-Thrush 

Oven-bird 

Northern  Yellow-throat 

Black-poll  Warbler 

Canada  Warbler 

Bohemian   Waxwing — Rare 

Cedar  Waxwing 

Yellow-billed  Cuckoo 

Black-billed  Cuckoo 

Kingfisher 


Mourning  Dove 

Turkey   Vulture 

Cooper  Hawk 

Red-tailed  Hawk 

I'igeon  Hawk 

Sparrow  Hawk 

Screech  Owl 

Saw-whet  Owl 

Killdeer 

Semipalmated    I'lover 

Wilson  Snipe 

Pectoral  Sandpiper 

Spotted  Sandpiper 

Yellow-legs 

Greater  Yellow-legs 

Solitary  Sandpiper 

American   Woodcock 

Blue-winged  Teal  Duck 

Lesser  Scaup  Duck 

Buffle-head  Duck 

Ruddy   Duck 

Baldpate  Duck 

I'ied-billed  Grebe 

American  Bittern 

Sora  Rail 

Virginia  Rail 

Black-crowned  Night  Heron 

Great  Blue  Heron 

Bob-white 

Bonaparte  Gull    (May,   1914) 

Bobolink    (May,   1914) 

Stilt  Sandpiper  (May,  1914) 

Mks.  Robert  T.   Scott. 


THE  NEST-BOX  TRAP  FOR  SPARROWS 
I  would  like  to  call  the  attention  of  bird-lovers  to  the  efficiency 
of  the  nest-box  trap  for  English  sparrows.  This  trap  is  fully  illus- 
trated and  described  in  U.  S.  Bulletin  "  The  English  Sparrow  as 
a  Pest,"  but  I  have  never  found  reference  to  its  use  in  current  bird 
literature. 

Poisoned  grain  is  liable  to  kill  native  birds.  Wire  traps  must  be 
baited  with  tempting  food,  and  after  two  or  three  settings  in  the 
same  place,  sparrows  will  not  enter  at  all.  Shooting  is  effective  to 
only  a  limited  extent,  and  dangerous  as  well  as  unlawful  in  towns. 
In  contrast  to  these  methods,  the  nest-t)ox  trap  needs  no  bait 
wliatever;  every  bird  that  enters  disappears  and  will  quickly  die 
of  suffocation  if  not  removed  and  killed ;  it  has  the  attraction  of 
mystery,  for  none  of  those  that  enter  are  able  to  warn  their  com- 
panions of  the  danger ;  and  it  is  in  working  order  all  the  time, 
whether  any  one  is  at  home  or  not. 


Field  Notes  217 

The  possible  objection  is  that  native  birds  of  course  can  be 
caught,  as  well  as  sparrows,  and  will  die  unless  soon  removed. 
However,  in  my  experience,  only  two  birds  other  than  sparrows 
have  entered ;  both  were  wrens,  and  one  was  released  unhurt ;  the 
other,  a  very  young  bird,  was  dead  when  found.  To  minimize  this 
risk,  the  trap  may  be  placed  in  a  position  frequented  by  sparrows 
and  therefore  apt  to  be  avoided  by  other  birds,  and  examined  dur- 
ing the  nest  hunting  season  as  often  as  possible ;  or  the  rack  can 
be  detached  during  that  time. 

My  nest-box  trap  w^as  built  in  April,  1913,  and  cost  only  a  trifle. 
Since  its  erection,  or  a  year  and  six  months  to  date,  it  has  caught 
152  sparrows,  with  no  attention  except  to  remove  and  destroy  the 
victims.  Five  or  six  live  sparrows  have  been  taken  out  at  one 
time. 

I  often  feel  that  the  stern  necessity  for  constant  war  against  the 
sparrow  is  not  properly  kept  in  mind  by  all  of  us  as  bird  lovers. 
Nest  boxes  and  martin  houses  are  worse  than  useless  if  not  care- 
fully guarded ;  feeding  devices  for  winter  birds  are  monopolized  by 
sparrows  sooner  or  later  in  the  majority  of  cases.  It  is  not  enough 
that  we  occasionally  use  the  dust-shot  gun  or  air  rifle ;  there  must 
be  active  antagonism  as  nearly  all  the  time  as  possible.  It  seems 
to  me  that  the  nest-box  trap  above  referred  to  affords  a  constant 
means  of  destruction,  and  I  urge  its  adoption  by  all  those  inter- 
ested in  the  preservation  of  our  native  birds.  t.  h.  w. 

loica.  October,  lOl'i. 

WHERE  ARE  THE  CHICKADEES? 

There  are  no  Chickadees  in  the  vicinity  of  Oberlin,  Ohio.  It 
would  be  interesting  to  know  if  they  have  gone  farther  south  than 
is  their  custom  in  winter.  Reports  from  more  southern  counties 
indicate  that  there  is  no  lack  of  Chickadees  there.  The  editor  would 
be  glad  to  receive  reports  on  the  Chickadee  for  this  winter. 


218  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

CORRESPONDENCE 

A  letter  wiitten  to  Dr.  T.  C.  Stephens  by  our  fellow  member. 
Dr.  P.  A.  Taverrier,  of  the  Victoria  Memorial  Museum,  Ottawa,  Can- 
ada, is  of  such  general  interest  that  with  the  permission  of  both 
gentlemen  it   is  reproduced   here.     Dr.   Taveruer  says : 

I  have  just  returned  from  a  field  trip  to  the  South  Shore  of 
the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  for  the  Zoological  Division  of  the  Geo- 
logical Survey  of  Canada.  We  spent  a  month  from  May  21st  on 
Miscou  Island,  N.  B.,  and  then  went  to  Perce,  across  the  Bay  of 
Chaleurs  ;  where  we  spent  the  remainder  of  the  season  to  August 
23d,  with  side  trips  to  Gaspe  and  a  flying  visit  to  the  Magdalen 
Islands. 

Most  of  the  work  after  Miscou  was  put  on  sea  birds  and  Bona- 
venture  Island  the  famous  Gannet  breeding  place,  three  miles  from 
Perce  was  a  mine  of  interesting  experiences  and  at  Gaspe  we  made 
an  economic  study  of  the  Cormorant — Phalerocorax  auritus — in  re- 
lation to  the  salmon  fisheries  and  hope  that  incidentally  we  have 
gone  far  to  stop  the  killing  of  these  birds. 

We  obtained  a  fine  series  of  skins  of  nearly  all  the  sea  species 
inhabiting  these  shores,  showing  the  various  summer  plumages  of 
the  various  ages. 

We  are  also  able  to  correct  the  generally  reported  identification 
that  gives  P.  carho  as  the  breeding  Cormorant  of  this  section.  They 
are  in  fact  all  auritus,  and  one  of  the  interesting  problems  will  be 
in  future  to  map  out  the  summer  distribution  of  these  two  species 
on  the  St.  Lawrence  coasts. 

Besides  this  expedition  we  have  two  others  in  the  field  yet.  Dr. 
R.  M.  Anderson  is  collecting  and  second  in  command  with  the  Ca- 
nadian Arctic  Expedition  under  Stephanson.  Our  latest  reports 
from  him  were  written  last  December,  but  at  the  time  of  his  writ- 
ing he  was  in  good  health  and  his  collecting  progressing  most  fa- 
vorably and  with  the  promises  of  most  satisfactory  results.  For- 
tunately he  was  not  with  the  ill-fated  "  Karlark,"  that  was  crushed 
in  the  ice  and  whose  crew  we  are  still  anxiously  waiting  to  hear 
of  through  the  U.   S.  Revenue  Ship  Bear. 

Mr.  Francis  Harper  of  Cornell,  constitutes  the  Zoological  section 
of  another  expedition  crossing  from  Lake  Athabasca  to  Great  Slave 
Lake.  His  last  report  was  dated  Athabasca  Lake,  June  8th,  when 
about  to  make  the  final  traverse.  His  results  so  far  seemed  most 
satisfactory  and  doubtless  his  final  report  on  return  will  continue 
the  promise  of  the  earlier  work. 

Yours  sincerely. 

P.  A.  Tavekner. 


Reviews  of  Pup.lications  219 


REVIEWS  OF  PUBLICATIONS 

Handbook  of  Birds  of  the  Western  United  States.  Florence  Mer- 
riam  Bailey.  Houghton,  Mifflin  Co.  $3.50,  net.  Fourth  Edition 
Revised. 

This  last  edition  of  a  well  known  and  useful  book  is  in  the  main 
a  reprint  of  earlier  editions,  but  with  an  extended  '"Addenda  "  of 
58  pages,  in  which  are  indicated  the  changes  in  the  nomenclature 
made  in  the  last  revisions  of  the  Check-List  of  the  A.  O.  U.  com- 
mittee, together  with  the  addition  of  56  forms  and  the  elimination 
of  52.  The  last  part  of  this  "Addenda "  is  concerned  with  the 
"  Birds  of  the  Western  United  States  in  the  Nomenclature  of  the 
1910  Check-List,"  and  with  a  list  of  "Books  of  Reference."  The 
book  was  so  complete  for  its  purposes  in  the  first  edition  that  there 
has  been  little  need  for  other  changes  than  those  given  above. 

L.    J. 

Alaskan  Bird-Life  as  Depicted  by  Many  Writers,  edited  by  Ernest 
Ingersoll.  Seven  plates  in  colors  and  other  illustrations.  Pub- 
lished by  the  National  Association  of  Audubon  Societies.  New 
York,   1914. 

As  stated  in  the  introduction  by  T.  Gilbert  Pearson,  the  Secre- 
tary of  this  Association,  the  object  of  this  volume  of  72  pages  is 
for  free  distribution  among  the  people  of  Alaska  for  the  purpose  of 
educating  them  in  regard  to  the  real  value  of  the  birds  and  thus 
securing  their  cooperation  in  the  conservation  of  Alaskan  birds. 
This  finds  the  hearty  approval  of  the  United  States  Bureau  of 
Education.  The  birds  of  the  several  districts  into  which  Alaska  is 
divided  toix)graphically  and  climatically  are  treated  on  the  group 
plan,  and  the  volume  closes  with  the  extended  treatment  of  the 
Tufted  Puffin  by  William  Leon  Dawson,  the  Crested  Auklet  by 
Charles  Haskins  Townseud,  the  Emperor  Goose  by  Edward  W.  Nel- 
son, the  Hudsonian  Curlew  by  A.  C.  Bent,  and  the  Alaskan  Long- 
spur  by  Edward  W.  Nelson.  There  are  colored  plates  of  these  spe- 
cies, and  of  the  Red  Crossbill.    It  is  a  valuable  volume.  l.  j. 

A  Peculiarity  in  the  Growth  of  the  Tail  Feathers  of  the  Giant  Horn- 
bill  (Rhinoplax  vigil).  Alex.  Wetmore,  of  the  Biological  Survey, 
U.  S.  Dept.  Agr.  No.  2059.  From  the  Proceedings  of  the  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.     Vol.  47,  pages  497-500.    Published  October  24,  1914. 

It  appears  that  one  tail  feather  of  the  central  pair  of  long  feath- 
ers is  fully  developed  before  the  young  bird  leaves  the  nest,  and 
that  in  adult  life  the  new  feather  of  this  pair  grows  out  under  the 
old  one,  the  latter  not  being  shed  until  the  new  one  has  become 
fully  grown ;    also  that  the  two  central  long  feathers   are  shed   in 


220  The  Wilson  Bulletin  —  No.  89 

alternate  years.     Certainly   a  remarkable  condition  of  growth   and 
molt.  L.  J. 

Anatomical  Notes  on  the  Young  of  Phalacrocorax  articeps  georgia- 
nus.  R.  W.  Shufeldt,  M.D.  Extract  from  A  Report  on  the  South 
Georgia  Expedition.  Science  Bulletin  of  the  Museum  of  the 
Brooklyn  Institute  of  Arts  and  Sciences.  Vol.  2,  No.  4,  pp.  95- 
102.  November  5.  1914.  Two  plates. 
This   is   a   carefully   prepared   technical  paper  about  a   specimen 

twenty-four  hours  old.  l.  j. 

The  Gannetry  at  "  The  Stack,"  Orkney  Islands.  J.  H.  Gurney, 
F.Z.S.  From  "The  Ibis"  for  October,  1914,  pp.  631-634.  One  plate. 
This  short  paper  is  a  report  of  the  impressions  of  the  number  of 
these  birds  found  here  after  three  visits  in  May  and  June,  1914, 
by  the  Duchess  of  Bedford.  The  Duchess  concluded  that  the  esti- 
mate of  8000  was  too  high,  and  that  5000  was  nearer  the  fact. 

L.    J. 

Are  Gannets  Destructive  Birds?     J.   H.   Gurney,  F.Z.S.     Reprinted 
from  the  Irish  Naturalist,   October,   1914,  pp.  212-213. 

The  c-onclusion  here  reached  is  that  while  these  birds  do  eat 
great  quantities  of  herring  and  other  fish  they  only  serve  to  main- 
tain the  necessary  balance,  and  therefore  should  not  be  consid- 
ered a  menace  economically.  l.  j. 

Geological  Survey  Work  on  Point  Pelee,  Ont.     P.  A.  Taverner.    Re- 
•  printed    from    The    Ottawa    Naturalist,    Vol.    XXVIII,    November, 
1914,  pp.  97-105. 

This  is  a  brief  report  of  work  done  here  by  the  author  and  oth- 
ers, beginning  on  May  15,  1914,  with  references  to  work  done  here 
previously.  It  is  encouraging  to  note  that  the  Cardinals  and  Mock- 
ingbirds are  holding  their  own  here,  if  not  increasing,  but  discour- 
aging to  find  that  the  Carolina  Wrens  w^ere  all  but  exterminated. 
Indications  point  to  their  increase  again,  however.  It  is  also  in- 
teresting to  note  the  reappearance  of  the  Dickcissel  and  the  taking 
of  a  specimen  of  Cory's  Bittern  {Ixohrychus  neoxenus).  To  the 
record  of  the  taking  of  the  Prothonotary  Warbler  {Protonotaria  cit- 
rea)  noted  on  page  100,  should  be  added  the  writer's  record  for 
August  22,  1911,  on  Pelee  Island.  The  paper  contains  records  of 
certain  trees  and  other  plants,  and  other  animals  than  birds. 

L.    J. 


ATTENTION! 

Museums,  Educatiooal  InstitutioQS  °od  Collectors 

I  am  prepared  to  mount  or  furnish  mounted  specimens  of  mam- 
mals, birds,  reptiles  and  fish  and  to  prepare  or  supply  scientific  skins 
and  oological   specimens. 

Our  life  groups  of  the  above  are  sought  by  those  who  recognize 
ability  and  accurateness  of  workmanship  and  the  perfect  condition  of 
material  furnished. 

Descriptive  matter  relative  to  our  methods,  also  references  per- 
taining to  our  responsibility,  will  be  furnished  upon  application. 

K^arl  W.  Kahmann 

Work  Rooms  and  Siiidio 
2457  Lincoln  Avenue,  CHICAGO,  ILL. 

Glinnpses  of  Wild  Life 


If  you  are  in  need  of  illustrations  involving  bird  life  or  any  of 
the  vertebrates  let  me  know  your  plans. 

I  have  many  unpublished  sketches,  drawings  and  paintings  truly 
depicting  the  creatures  of  the  air,  land  and  water. 

Poses  and  attitudes  are  characteristic  of  the  species  and  should 
enhance  the  value  of  your  articles. 

KARL  PLATH 

cAriisi 

3307  W.  Congress  St.,  Chicago,  111. 


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Vol.  XXVI      MARCH,  1914        No.  1 

THE 

Wilson  Bulletin 

No.  86 
CHICAGO,  ILL. 


L 


WILSON     ORNITBOLOGICAL    CLUB 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

An  Intimate  Acquaintance  with  Woodcocks Gerard  Alan  Abbott  1 

A  Time  with  the  Owls Dr.  E,  W.  Shufeldt  6 

PlED-BIliLED  Geebe  Notes Ira  N.  Gabrielson  13 

The  Boll  op  the  Log-cock  or  Pileated  Woodpecker Ernest  W.  Viekers  15 

Winter  Conditions  in  Northern  Ohio,  Winter  of  1913-14 Lynds  Jones  18 

The  Effect  on  the  Birds  in  the  Opening  of  the  Park  and  the  Building 

op  the  Eeservoies  in  the  Vicinity  of  Youngstown,  Ohio 

Geo.  L.  Fordyce  20 

A  Brief  History  op  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club Lynds  Jones  23 

Die  Vogel  Handbuch  dee  Systematischen  Ornithologie.    von  Dr.  Anton 

Reichenow.   a  Critique Eev.  W.  F.  Henninger  27 

Bird  Surgery Harold  H.  Bailey  36 

Editorial  Page 38 

Minutes  op  the  First  Meeting  of  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club 41 

Field  Notes:    Unusual  Central  Ohio  Occixrences;  Queer  Practices  op 

Wood  Thrushes;  Sandpiper  Notes j  the  Guide  to  Nature 44 

Publications   Eeviewed 47 


THB    WIUSOIN    BUUUETIIN 

is  published  on  the  fifteenth  of  March,  June,  September  and  December, 
by  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club  at  Chicago,  111.,  edited  by  Lynds 
Jones,  Oberlin,  Ohio. 

Subscription:  One  DoUar  a  year,  including  postage,  strictly  in  ad- 
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All  articles  and  communications  intended  for  publication,  and  all 
publications  and  books  for  review,  should  be  addressed  to  Lynds 
Jones,  Oberlin,  Ohio. 

Articles  of  general  interest  relating  to  bird  life  are  solicited.  They 
should  be  in  the  hands  of  the  editor  not  later  than  the  fifteenth  of 
the  month  preceding  publication. 

Entry  as  second-class  mall  matter  at  the  Postofflce  at  Chicago,  111.,  applied  (or. 


Vol.  XXVI       JUNE,  1914  No.  2 

THE 

Wilson  Bulletin 

No.  87 
CHICAGO,  ILL. 


WILSON    ORNITUOLOGICAL  CLUB 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 
Fkontispiece     

Ten  Days'  Bird  Study  in  a  Nebraska  Swamp,  Ira  N.  Gabrielson 51 

Breeding  Birds  of  a  Clay  County,  Iowa,  Farm,  Ira  N.  Gabrielson 69 

Notes  on  the  Spotted  Sandpiper,  Arthur  F.  Smith 81 

The  Resident  Bird  Life  op  the  Big  Cypress  Swamp  Region,  F.  M.  Phelps    86 

Editorial 102 

Field  Notes:  A  Two-Story  Yellow  Warbler's  Nest;  Particular  Weens; 
CowBiRDS  Monopolizing  a  Red-Eyed  Vireo's  Nest;  The  Red  Phalaropb 
in  Iowa;  Fall  Records  of  the  Golden  Plover;  Some  Winter  Records 
from  Marshalltown,  Iowa;  Nesting  op  the  Blue- Winged  Warbler 
IN  Northern  Illinois  ;  The  Fox  Sparrow  in  Central  Illinois  ;  Notes 
from  Huron,  Ohio;  Two  New  Birds  for  Oberlin,  Ohio;  A  Cannibal 
Gracele. 


THB    WIUSOIN    BUUUBTIIV 

is  published  on  the  fifteenth  of  March,  June,  September  and  December, 
by  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club  at  Chicago,  HI.,  edited  by  Lynda 
Jones,  Oberlin,  Ohio. 

Subscription:  One  DoUar  a  year,  including  postage,  strictly  in  ad- 
vance. Single  numbers,  30  cents,  unless  they  are  "Special"  num- 
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Advertisements  should  be  addressed  to  The  Wilson  Bulletin, 
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All  articles  and  communications  intended  for  publication,  and  all 
publications  and  books  for  review,  should  be  addressed  to  Lynds 
Jones,  Oberlin,  Ohio. 

Articles  of  general  interest  relating  to  bird  life  are  solicited.  They 
should  be  in  the  hands  of  the  editor  not  later  than  the  fifteenth  of 
the  month  preceding  publication. 

Authors  of  articles,  other  than  ** Field  Notes,"  or  short  items  of  a 
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Entered  as  Second  Class  Matter,  May  21,   1914,  at  the  Postofflce  at  Chlcaeo,  III.,  under  th* 

Act  of  March  3,  1879. 


BIRD -LORE 


No.  1  of  Vol.  XVI,  issued  February  1, 
1914,  is  the  Christmas  Bird  Census  Number, 
containing  reports  from  over  200  observers 
who  contributed  to  this  annual  event. 


Announcement  is  made  of  a  plan  for  the 
cooperative  study  of  bird  migration. 

The  birds  figured  in  color  are  the  Red- 
poll, Hoary  Redpoll,  Purple  Finch,  and 
Wood  Thrush. 

The  first  Volume  of  Bird-Lore  contained 
2 1 4  pages,  the  latest  506  pages.  The  Mag- 
azine has  grown  but  the  price  remains  the 
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BIRD -LORE- 


No.  1  of  Vol.  XVI,  issued  February  1, 
1914,  is  the  Christmas  Bird  Census  Number, 
containing  reports  from  over  200  observers 
who  contributed  to  this  annual  event. 


Announcement  is  made  of  a  plan  for  the 
cooperative  study  of  bird  migration. 

The  birds  figured  in  color  are  the  Red- 
poll, Hoary  Redpoll,  Purple  Finch,  and 
Wood  Thrush. 

The  first  Volume  of  Bird-Lore  contained 
2 1 4  pages,  the  latest  506  pages.  The  Mag- 
azine has  grow^n  but  the  price  remains  the 
same. 

$1.00  per  annum. 

D.  APPLETON  &  CO. 

29  West  32d  St.,  New  York  City. 


WILSON  CLUB  PUBLICATIONS 

Consist  of  two  Series:     Old  and  New 


The  Old  Series  comprise  the  following  issues : 

Ornithologists'  and  Oologists'  Semi-Annual,  Vols.  I  and 
II,  two  numbers  each,  Vol,  III,  one  number.  (Only 
No.  I  of  Vol.  Ill  is  obtainable.)     50  cents. 

Wilson  Quarterly,  Vol.  IV,  two  numbers.  Both  out  of 
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Wilson  Bulletin,  from  i  to  86  inclusive.  (Nos.  4,  5,  6,  7,  8, 
24,  28,  are  out  of  print.) 

Of  the  Wilson  Bulletins,  No.  15  is  a  study  of  "The  Oberlin 
Grackle  Roost,"  18  pages,  by  Lynds  Jones.  Price  15  cents. 
No.  30,  "Warbler  Songs,"  56  pages,  by  Lynds  Jones;  in 
which  all  North  American  Warblers  are  discussed,  the  songs 
of  nearly  all  described,  and  a  field  key  to  the  adult  males 
given.  Price  $1.00.  No.  31,  "A  Monograph  of  the  Flicker," 
82  pages,  by  Frank  L.  Burns.  Price  50  cents.  No.  33,  "A 
Summer  Reconnoissance  in  the  West,"  by  Lynds  Jones  and 
W.  L.  Dawson,  being  a  study  of  the  birds  in  fourteen  states 
during  a  journey  of  7000  miles.  Price  20  cents.  No.  37,  "A 
Sectional  Bird  Census,"  by  Frank  L.  Burns.  Price  50  cents. 
Nos.  76-77,  "A  Monograph  of  the  Broad-winged  Hawk,"  176 
pages,  by  Frank  L.  Burns.    Price  $1.00. 

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Address  all  communications  to 

THE  WILSON  BULLETIN 
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Vol.  XXVI  SEPTEMBER,  1914  No.  3 

THE 

WUson  BoUetin 

No.  88 
CHICAGO,  ILL. 


WILSON    ORNITHOLOGICAL    CLUB 


CONTENTS 

^  PAGE 

Frontispiece 

The  Prothonotary  Warbler  at  Lake  Okoboji,  Iowa,  T.  C.  Stephens 109 

Habits  of  the  Old-Squaw  (Harelda  Hyemalis)  in  Jackson  Park,  Chi- 
cago, Edwin  D.  Hull 116 

The  Kentucky  Warbler  in  Columbiana  County,  H.  W.  Weisgerber 123 

Spring  Migration  (1914)  at  Houston,  Texas,  George  Finlay  Simmons 128 

The  Pine  Siskin  Breeding  in  Iowa,  W.  J.  Hayward  and  T.  C.  Stephens. . .  140 

Editorial 147 

Field  Notes:  An  Experience  with  a  Florida  Gallinule;  Miniature 
Earthquake;  Bay  Point,  Ohio,  Migration  Notes,  1914;  Golden- 
Winged  Warbler  in  Central  Iowa  ;  A  Wren  Incident 149 

Eeviews  153 

Correspondence 157 

THB    WIUSOIS    BUUUETIIN 

is  published  on  the  fifteenth  of  March,  June,  September  and  December, 
by  the  Wilson  Ornithological  Club  at  Chicago,  111.,  edited  by  Lynds 
Jones,  Oberlin,  Ohio. 

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Entered  as  Second  Class  Matter,  May  21,   1914,  at  the  Postofflce  at  Chicago,  111.,  under  the 

Act  of  March  3,  18T9. 


Vol.  XXVI.    DECEMBER,  1914,  No.  4 


THE 

Wilson  Bulletin 


No.  89 


CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS 


WILSON     ORNITHOLOGICAL    CLUB 


CONTENTS 

Frontispiece 

Notes  on  a  Northern  Robin  Roost     .          .         Arthur  R.  Abel  165 

The  Birds  of  the  Douglas  Lake  Region     .     James  S.  Compton  173 

A  Hermit  Thrush  Study         .          .         Cordelia  J.   Stanwood  180 
Nest  Life  of  the  Black-Throated  Green  Warbler 

Cordelia  J.  Stanwood  186 

Food  of  Nestling  Birds       ....         Alvin  R.  Cahn  189 

Flight  of  Shore-Birds  Near  Youngstown      .      John  P.  Young  193 

Corrections  to  A.  O.  LT.  Check-List         .         W.  F.  Henninger  195 

Migration  at  Oberlin,  Ohio      ....      Lynds  Jones  198 

Discouraging  the  English  Sparrow      .      Thomas  H.  Whitney  20G 

Editorials     " 211 

Field    Notes 312 

Correspondence        .........  318 

Publications   Reviewed     ........  319 


XHE  \A/IL.©ON    BULLEXIN 

if,  iniblishetl  on  the  fitteenth  of  March,  June,  September,  and  December,  by 
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FOR  FIELD  WOKK,  the  Bausch  &  Ix)mb-Zeiss  Stereo  Binocular  is  the  ideal 
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WILSON  CLUB  PUBLICATIONS 

Consist  of  two  Series,  Old  aod  New 


THE  OLD   SERIES   comprise  the   following  issues: 

Ornithologists'  and  Oologists'   Semi-Annual,  Vols.  I  and  II,  two 

numbers  each,  ^/ol.   Ill,  one  number.     (Only  No.   1  of  Vol. 

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scribed, and  a  field  key  to  the  adult  males  given.  Price  $1.00.  No.  31, 
"A  Monograph  of  the  Flicker,"  82  pages,  by  FRANK  L.  BURNS. 
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Nos.  76-77,  "A  MONOGRAPH  OF  THE  BROAD-WINGED 
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XHE  \A/ILSON  BULLETIN 

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BIRD -LORE 


No.  1  of  Vol.  XVI,  issued  February  1, 
1914,  is  the  Christmas  Bird  Census  Number, 
containing  reports  from  over  200  observers 
who  contributed  to  this  annual  event. 


Announcement  is  made  of  a  plan  for  the 
cooperative  study  of  bird  migration. 

The  birds  figured  in  color  are  the  Red- 
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Wood  Thrush. 

The  first  Volume  of  Bird-Lore  contained 
2 1 4  pages,  the  latest  506  pages.  The  Mag- 
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same. 

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WILSON  CLUB  PUBLICATIONS 

Consist  of  two  Series:    Old  and  New 

The  Old  Series  comprise  the  following  issues: 

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each,   Vol.   Ill,   one  number.      (Only  No.   1  of   Vol.   Ill  is   obtainable.) 

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